Vineyards The Sierra Mar Vineyard, owned and farmed by Gary Franscioni is one of the highest elevation vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The Santa Lucia and Gabilan mountain ranges surround the Salinas Valley and act like a conduit, directing the winds off the Pacific down the valley, cooling the region from warm inland temperatures. The afternoon winds deliver fog off the Monterey Bay, acting as a buffer and extending the growing season. The high elevation, thin soils and arid conditions produce wines of intense concentration

Vintage he 2015 vintage offered excellent growing conditions. A mild winter and spring compounded with almost no rain contributed to early ripening, low to moderate yields and highly concentrated grapes resulting in exceptional quality. 2015 is one of the earliest vintages we’ve seen in over a decade, but it will also go down as one of the best.

Fermentation 66% destemmed only and transferred by gravity to open top fermenters, the other 33% was left whole cluster and added to the bottom of the tank. A long, cool 5 day cold soak was allowed before the tank was taken off cooling. The must was then fermented with Indigenous yeast to promote complexity and terroir. The fermented wine was pressed off slightly before dryness to minimize harsh phenols and retain its core of fruit. Malolactic was completed with indigenous flora.

Sensory Notes Saturated and dark, brilliant red/black in the glass, the nose is full dried herbs, dark forest fruits, vanilla and ash. The palate is concentrated and rich with soft mid palate tannins. flavors of blue and black fruit coulis pack this pinot with layers of complexity. This wine built to age, if you drink it in the next few years be sure to decant or give it plenty of air before enjoying!