If you are a lover of Pinot Noir, you know that wines from these vineyards can be a revelation.” – PinotFile

We’ve successfully infiltrated the Miner Family library again. Leaving no corner unexplored. All those Oracles, Cabs, and Merlots are GONE. If you’re wondering where they went. look carefully through your stashes, photos, or empties Ops; you grabbed every one of those bottles as we unearthed them throughout this year.

This is not Miner… It’s MAJOR!!! And it’s feeling like Groundhog Day around here because it’s time for yet another STORE TAKEOVER!!

And let’s not forget the tag team Appy Hour with TWO of their flagship ‘Rosella’s 777’ Pinots we snagged from their cold, dark library.

We unearthed more gems… to our surprise, there were a few last cases of some CHERRY vintages of one of the best-kept-secret Miner varietals: Pinot Noir!

And not just any Pinot Noir. Miner Family has a special way into the Grand Crus of Santa Lucia Highlands. Namely Garys’, Rosella’s, and Sierra Mar. The roots of this trifecta reach back to 1982, when Gary Pisoni pioneered the plantings that were to elevate the Santa Lucia Highlands to a prime Pinot haven in California. Since then, many labels Pinot lovers clamor for, such as Kosta Browne, ROAR, Pisoni Estate, and Peter Michael, just to name a few, have been religiously committed to these great vineyards.

PinotFile once defined that “The name Pisoni is synonymous with Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, and the three Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards that the Pisoni family farms, including Pisoni Vineyard, Garys’ Vineyard, and Rosella’s Vineyard (the latter two in partnership with Gary Franscioni) have become the Holy Trinity of Pinot Noir vineyards in this region. Like the Trinity doctrine, these three vineyards yield Pinot Noir that is often thought of as one whole, but the vineyards are clearly distinct from one another. Think of them as the Father (Pisoni Vineyard), the Son (Garys’ Vineyard), and the Holy Spirit (Rosella’s Vineyard). The Christian analogy may be a bit far-fetched, but if you are a lover of Pinot Noir, you know that wines from these vineyards can be a revelation.”

Per the owners, “Rosella’s Vineyard is the first property we planted to vine, and is the northernmost of our vineyards. Planted in 1996, it wraps around the family home and is named for Rosella, Gary’s wife. Its rows of vines ascend from River Road up the hillside toward the mountain ridge, often laced with fog. Plush lemon trees flank its western edge. The sandy loam soil allows good drainage, encouraging deep vine roots that add complexity in the wines, which are known for their expressive aromatics and smooth suppleness on the palate.”

As Mr. Miner once famously said, “I’ve never wanted to make wine just to charge a lot of money for it. I’d rather have people buy the wine, pull the cork, and drink it. Because that’s really the point, as far as I can see.” Don’t worry, Dave, we wholeheartedly agree…

93 Points – Vinous “Deep garnet. Pungent, mineral- and spice-accented red berry liqueur and floral scents pick up exotic spice and vanilla nuances with air. Juicy and expansive in the mouth, offering pliant raspberry, cherry preserve, candied rose and spicecake flavors that turn sweeter on the back half. Closes very long and floral, with resonating red fruit and vanilla character and sneaky tannins that lend subtle grip. Drink 2023-2030.”