2021 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir
The renowned Garys’ Vineyard was planted with the celebrated “Pisoni clone” by the two iconic growers of the Santa Lucia Highlands: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Together they have brought worldwide attention to this fabulous appellation for the exceptional quality of its Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. This year, Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni have graciously offered Bernardus a few extra tons of the superb Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir (expertly farmed by Mark Pisoni). This enabled us to ferment in 3 small fermenters, providing a new subtle complexity to the finished wine.
Our 2021 Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir exudes a gorgeous perfume of ripe, dark red fruits along with notes of rose pedal. The fabulous palate is very intense - powerful yet elegant - with layers of boysenberry, ripe black cherry and a hint of spice. This is without a doubt, our finest Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir to date!
Fermentation: At Bernardus all our Pinot Noir grapes are hand-picked and sorted at the winery for maximum quality. Our Garys’ Pinot grapes are then destemmed and the whole berries gently pumped into small fermenters where they are pumped over twice daily. Once fermentation is complete, the finished wine is aged in French oak for 10 months before bottling.
Picking date: October 1st, 2021.
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands. 100% Garys’ Vineyard Pinot Noir.
Cooperage: 100% French-Burgundian: Sirugue and Billon; about 30% new.
Bottled:
472 6-pack cases (750 ml. bottles)
49 6-pack cases (magnums = 1.5-liter bottles)
6 3-liter bottles
6 5-liter bottles