The Sierra Mar Vineyard is quickly becoming the rising star of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation. Certainly the setting is impressive, islands of grapes in the hills overlooking the Salinas Valley. Gary Franscioni pumping water two miles up hill just to reach these vineyard outposts. But in the world of winemaking, a stunning location is only truly impressive if it reveals itself in equally stunning wines. We have no doubts that is happening at the Sierra Mar Vineyard.

92 Point Review - Robert Parker A bigger, richer wine that doesn’t quite have the vibrancy of the other single vineyards, the 2012 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar Vineyard, from vines planted in 2007, offers up a rich, weighty feel in the mouth, with plenty of darker berry fruit, lavender, licorice and wood-spice emerging from the glass. It should hit prime drinking a couple years after the vintage and have 5-7 years of evolution.

93 Point Review - PinotFile Moderately dark reddishpurple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of Bing cherries, red rose petals and potpourri. Mouth watering flavors of peak-ripened fruits including black cherry, black raspberry and strawberry. Very smooth and seductive on the palate with welcoming concentration, finishing with a pleasing burst of robust fruit flavor. The wine picks up interest and intensity over time in the glass and the balance is spot on, portending a long life ahead.

91 Point Review - Wine Enthusiast Dryness, tannins and acidity characterize this Pinot Noir. They make it severe, but there’s a huge heart of raspberries that makes it score high on the deliciousness factor. You can certainly enjoy it now, but it will evolve until 2020.

91 Point Review - Connoisseur’s Guide One of the highlights in this range, 2012 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar Vineyard is shaping up to be a jewel. Dark red cherry, plum, tobacco, menthol and new leather are some of the many aromas and flavors that blossom in the glass. A wine of notable textural finesse and silkiness, the 2012 impresses for its harmony. There is plenty of near-term appeal in this expressive, layered Pinot