2007 Roar Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir

I have been tasting quite a lot of Pinot Noir as of late and I guess you could say it's become my varietal of choice over the last year or so. I used to be such a Cabernet hog but slowly my palate has taking a liking to the subtleties of Pinot Noir and especially to single vineyard wines such as this, where you can really experience the terroir of each vineyard site. Single vineyard anything is fun, but with Pinot I think it's the most translucent.

This wine comes from the quasi famous Garys' Vineyard of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Garys' Vineyard is co-owned by both Gary's (Gary Franscioni or Roar and Gary Pisoni of Pisoni Vineyards). The wine was aged for 11 months in 100% French oak - 75% new.

The first thing I notice after pouring this wine is the deep and dark ruby color. On the nose I get aromas of ripe black cherry, plum, spicy oak, wild flower, and a touch of anise seed. This wine is extremely aromatic and as I'm writing the room is being filled with it's fragrance.

On the palate this wine is very fleshy, full, and round, and expresses flavors reminiscent of wild berry, smoke, plum, and hints of leather and soil. This is a big chewy wine with plenty of youthful tannin and stunning opulence. I would suggest paring the wine with heartier grilled meat dishes or even Ossobuco. 91+ points

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