Today, the vineyards are meticulously managed by the next generation, namely Adam Franscioni and Mark Pisoni, who uphold the same dedication to quality.

Nestled just below the summit of the Highlands, Garys’ Vineyard spans 50 acres of Pinot Noir, arranged in a distinctive “V” shape on rocky, alluvial soils that benefit from the perfect amount of sunlight. Every vine is nurtured with a hands-on approach, ensuring the care and precision to craft Pinot Noir of unparalleled elegance and depth.

The 2022 vintage bursts to life with bold, spicy aromatics and a luxurious, silky texture. Layers of red fruit unfold on the palate, offering complexity that promises to evolve beautifully over time.

As with previous vintages, this wine will only get better with age, rewarding those patient enough to wait before enjoying this remarkable expression of Santa Lucia Highlands terroir.

Tasting Notes: “From a vineyard named after the region’s pioneering pair of Garys, this utterly satisfying bottling begins with aromas that blend umami-focused hints of soy, shiitake and smoke with fresh fruit and flower scents. Solidly chalky in texture, the palate delivers Bing cherry and pure blackberry flavors cut by steady acidity.” 97 Points | Wine Enthusiast
 
Tasting Notes: “Hailing from one of the premier sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands, planted in 1996, the 2022 Pinot Noir Garysʻ Vineyard is flat-out gorgeous. Beautifully rendered, it boasts generous fruit density, crystal-clear delineation of flavors and bracing structure. Fully destemmed, the 2022 finishes with a ton of persistence in its dark berry flavors, even darker cherry, black licorice and black sage. The 2022 leaves behind a fine web of powdery tannins, neatly wrapped up with a little bow on top, concentrated, effusive, and ready to rock. What a complete package. This may be the red wine of the vintage in the SLH.” 96 Points | Vinous

KOSTA BROWNE
2021 PINOT NOIR
STA. RITA HILLS
CA CENTRAL COAST
Retails at: $115
Members’ price: $99.99

Tasting Notes: “The 2021 Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir, another in Kosta Browne’s Appellation lineup, is meant to showcase the region’s cool-climate viticulture. As such, it pulls from various vineyard sources across the appellation, including Mt. Carmel, Rita’s Crown, Bentrock, Radian, Sanford & Benedict, and Our Lady of Guadalupe. After ageing 15 months in over 50% new oak, this Pinot Noir is leaping from the glass, showcasing lifted, high-toned violet floral aromas mingling with woody, brown sugar spice notes, red cherry, and vanilla hints. Deep concentration marks the palate, where the mouthfeel is bright, mineral-driven, and juicy. It has ample acidity to balance its red Bing cherry and cherry liqueur flavours, lying on a bed of feathery tannins. A mix of crushed wild rosemary, thyme, and marjoram marks a long finish.”
95 Points | Decanter