2022 Lucia by Pisoni ‘Gary’s Vineyard’ Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

WE97 Lovely layers of black cherry compote and star anise ride waves of rich spice and dark fruit on the alluring and awesome nose of this bottling from what is arguably the appellation’s most iconic vineyard. Ample acidity and texture frame the dense but bright red fruit and baking spice flavors, leading into a clean, fresh and intense finish.
TWI96 Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard is a little closed to begin, needing a fair bit of swirling to bring out notes of kirsch, fresh blackberries, and black cherry compote with suggestions of mossy tree bark, black truffles, and Sichuan pepper. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black fruits supported by rounded tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing long and earthy.
JD95 The 2022 Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard is one of the darker, more masculine style Pinots in the lineup. Ripe black cherries, iron, roasted herbs, leather, and violet notes all define the aromatics, and it’s medium to full-bodied on the palate, with a concentrated, focused mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon, and it should have an easy decade of prime drinking going forward. It’s impressive.
Estate Note: Pinot Noir born from the gentle hillside of the Santa Lucia Highlands and named for the joint-venture planting of Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni in 1996.