The Wine
Santa Lucia Highlands
Garys' Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Planted: 1997
Vineyard Acreage: 50 acres
Rootstock: 3309 and 5C
Clone: Pisoni
Trellising: VSP bi-lateral
Soils: Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam
Owners: Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni
Managed by: Gary Pisoni, Gary Franscioni and Mark Pisoni
Website: www.garysvineyard.com
We have been fortunate to get to know the Pisoni's and the Franscioni's over the last few years. When approached with the possibility of sourcing fruit from this vineyard as well as Rosella's Vineyard, we jumped on it. Garys' Vineyard is a partnership between Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Together with Gary Pisoni's son Mark, an experienced crew of 20, and the two Garys, the vineyard is managed to perfection.
Garys' Vineyard is located on a sloping hillside in the center of the Santa Lucia Highlands Appellation. The Santa Lucia Highlands are located in Monterey County and overlook Salinas. The climate is marked by heavy morning fog, strong, coastal winds and an average cool mid-70's summertime temperature. This combination of cool temperatures, strong afternoon winds and warm afternoon sunshine contributes to low yields and a long, even growing season, perfect for producing world class Pinot Noir grapes.
Rosella's Vineyard
Appellation: Santa Lucia Highlands
Vine Age: 10 years- Pisoni clone, 4 years- 828 clone
Total Acreage: 50 acres
Rootstock: 101-14
Clones: 667, 777, 828 and Pisoni
Trellising: VSP unilateral
Soils: Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam
Owners: Gary and Rosella Franscioni
Managed by: Gary Franscioni and Mark Pisoni
Website: http://www.roarwines.com
Rosella's Vineyard is one of our favorites because of the deep complexity and feminine quality that exudes from the site. Rosella's Vineyard is named after Gary Franscioni's wife Rosella. We have always been reluctant to source fruit from outside the Russian River area because it is very important for us to be able to visit the vineyards regularly. However, under the watchful eyes of Gary Franscioni and Mark Pisoni, we can rest easy knowing they are managing these vineyards closely, assuring us of obtaining world-class fruit because of their hard work, dedication, knowledge and attention to detail. The 2005 vintage represents our first wine from this spectacular vineyard.
Rosella's Vineyard is just north of Garys' Vineyard in the center of the Santa Lucia Highland appellation. The vineyard has a perfect southeast exposure and like the Garys' Vineyard, it benefits from the influence the nearby Monterey Bay has on the weather across the SLH appellation. The dense morning fog (which returns at dusk) and the bright but mild afternoon sun, along with strong afternoon winds (that cool the vines), contribute to ideal growing conditions for Pinot Noir.