Lucia Vineyards (Pisoni)

Gary's Vineyard Syrah

9.174 ratings
9.026 pro ratings
Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California, USA
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.3

I know everyone recognizes Gary’s vineyard for the Pinot grown here but to me it’s always been the Syrah that really shines at this address owned by Gary Francisoni and Gary Pisoni. Estrella Clone planted on the sandy arroyo seco loam, mid way down the Salinas valley in the santa Lucia highlands. This beauty shows a lot of blue fruit compote, bacon fat and sandal wood. It is beautifully composed and like most of the Pisoni wines, it really starts to shine around year five. Honestly California Syrah doesn’t get a lot better than this.

I know everyone recognizes Gary’s vineyard for the Pinot grown here but to me it’s always been the Syrah that really shines at this address owned by Gary Francisoni and Gary Pisoni. Estrella Clone planted on the sandy arroyo seco loam, mid way down the Salinas valley in the santa Lucia highlands. This beauty shows a lot of blue fruit compote, bacon fat and sandal wood. It is beautifully composed and like most of the Pisoni wines, it really starts to shine around year five. Honestly California Syrah doesn’t get a lot better than this.

Feb 26th, 2023
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.2

Super nice. Cote rotie like. Roasted coffee, smoked meats and lots of dark fruit: supple, clean and decadent Note: if you’re not on the ‘Pisoni’ mailing list you’re missing out. Although you may not get ‘Pisoni’ Pisoni estate Pinot off the bat, you should load up on Lucia ‘slh’ Pinot which is 60% pisoni estate fruit and this Syrah which, along with Jeff Pisoni’s wife’s cattelaya label is maybe the best Syrah in America. Or among a select handful. It’s half as expensive as saxum, sqn and shafer but in my opinion twice as good. Boom @Jeff Pisoni

Super nice. Cote rotie like. Roasted coffee, smoked meats and lots of dark fruit: supple, clean and decadent Note: if you’re not on the ‘Pisoni’ mailing list you’re missing out. Although you may not get ‘Pisoni’ Pisoni estate Pinot off the bat, you should load up on Lucia ‘slh’ Pinot which is 60% pisoni estate fruit and this Syrah which, along with Jeff Pisoni’s wife’s cattelaya label is maybe the best Syrah in America. Or among a select handful. It’s half as expensive as saxum, sqn and shafer but in my opinion twice as good. Boom @Jeff Pisoni

Apr 4th, 2021
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.3

Seriously dark with bursting aromatics of violets, black raspberry, coal and cocoa. Just insanely decadent and perfectly firm. I want to drink one of these each year over the next 15 years. It is so good now but I can only imagine what it will be in the future.
Am I the only one who thinks the Pisoni crew is making even better Syrah than Pinot? Call it croZes hermitage blind with new world richness

Seriously dark with bursting aromatics of violets, black raspberry, coal and cocoa. Just insanely decadent and perfectly firm. I want to drink one of these each year over the next 15 years. It is so good now but I can only imagine what it will be in the future.
Am I the only one who thinks the Pisoni crew is making even better Syrah than Pinot? Call it croZes hermitage blind with new world richness

Dec 9th, 2019
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.1

Big ruby, ripe, juicy, blackberries, black cherries, blueberries, black raspberries, spiced plum, violets, lots of black pepper, big spice-box, bay leaf, mint, light baking spices, crush dry volcanic rocks, brown dry earth and long ripe, juicy to dry spicy dark fruit finish that lasts 45-60 seconds. Tannins are nicely resolved...it's just starting it's peak. Good; tension, structure, balance, length and acidity.

Big ruby, ripe, juicy, blackberries, black cherries, blueberries, black raspberries, spiced plum, violets, lots of black pepper, big spice-box, bay leaf, mint, light baking spices, crush dry volcanic rocks, brown dry earth and long ripe, juicy to dry spicy dark fruit finish that lasts 45-60 seconds. Tannins are nicely resolved...it's just starting it's peak. Good; tension, structure, balance, length and acidity.

Dec 22nd, 2016
Peter Langenstein

A little too young at this point - very fruit forward - Give it another year to settle in and drink in 2017 to 18

A little too young at this point - very fruit forward - Give it another year to settle in and drink in 2017 to 18

Oct 3rd, 2016
Sarah Stierch

Food & Wine Editor Sonoma Valley Sun

7.2

No way. This wasn't corked it was just terrible and the tasting group agreed.

No way. This wasn't corked it was just terrible and the tasting group agreed.

Aug 19th, 2016
Jay Kline

No shortage of quality here.

No shortage of quality here.

May 30th, 2016
Lee Lightfoot

Monolithic at first with huge dark fruit. Took 2+ hours and the more savory elements followed

Monolithic at first with huge dark fruit. Took 2+ hours and the more savory elements followed

Apr 26th, 2016
Alex Lallos

Owner No Limit Fine Wines, Private Wine Consultant

9.1

Insanely good. Dark chocolate, mocha, bacon fat and crushed pavement! Awesome

Insanely good. Dark chocolate, mocha, bacon fat and crushed pavement! Awesome

Apr 12th, 2016
Shawn R

Paired with homemade grilled pizza-outstanding combo! Glass staining inky purple color. Reminds me of pouring blueberry syrup. Lots of power, yet you can tasty the rich flavors through out. Well done.

Paired with homemade grilled pizza-outstanding combo! Glass staining inky purple color. Reminds me of pouring blueberry syrup. Lots of power, yet you can tasty the rich flavors through out. Well done.

Mar 6th, 2016