2019 Clarice Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Harvested all at once from multiple blocks across this pedigreed site, the 2019 Pinot Noir Garys’ shows a clear juxtaposition of Old World and New World in the way it pits savory, earthy tones against lush SLH berry fruit. There’s such charm to its character. Black raspberry, marionberry, black olive, bitter cherry, thyme and lavender build intensity and depth with air, stacking consecutive layers on layers on layers. Believe it or not, I think this will continue to improve, as the tannins are not yet completely integrated. Either way, this is a beautiful effort from Adam Lee.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Limpid ruby-red. A highly perfumed bouquet evokes cherry-cola, boysenberry, candied flowers, licorice and exotic spices, along with a hint of smoky minerality. Conveys an impressive blend of depth and energy to its intense, spice-laced red and dark fruit preserve flavors, which are complemented by subtle game and mocha notes. Turns sweeter with air and finishes extremely long and smooth, with resonating floral and spice notes and velvety, well-judged tannins. 72.2% whole clusters and 90% new French oak.
I loved the 2019 Pinot Noir Garys' Vineyard. It's a rich, backward, relatively closed wine that's going to blossom with another 2-3 years of bottle age. Giving up Gevrey-Chambertin like notes of smoked black fruits, pomegranate, violets, spiced meats, iron, and leafy herbs, it's medium to full-bodied and has a beautiful mid-palate, building tannins, and a solid spine of acidity. It has plenty of ripeness and is certainly a California Pinot Noir, with beautiful fruit and purity. It needs a healthy decant if drinking any time soon, and it's going to hit prime time in another 2-4 years and have a solid decade of prime drinking. It's a gorgeous wine.