GOLD MEDAL - San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
GOLD MEDAL - Central Coast Wine Competition
The more 2007 California Pinot we taste, the more clear it becomes just how remarkable a vintage this was for Pinot vineyards all over the Golden State. While the vintage was hyped from the beginning, it is only with a little bit more bottle age that the wines are starting to drink to their potential. Today we are happy to have Heisted yet another gem from 2007, and especially excited that we are able to offer a single vineyard Pinot of this caliber for just $30. While there are many blended Pinot Noir that offer plenty of drinking pleasure, Pinot at its apex reflects the terroir in which it is grown, and this is only possible with a single vineyard wine. When the vineyard happens to be in an AVA like the Santa Maria Valley, with its perfect climate for Pinot, and the wine is well made, the result is stunning, and the 2007 William James Cellars Garey Ranch Pinot is just such a wine.
The 2007 William James Garey Ranch Pinot Noir is deep ruby in color. The nose is classic Pinot, with earthy, spicy notes stealing the show from the aromas of fresh berries. The palate shows more prevalent fruit, with black cherry, plum, and cranberry, and just a hint of pepper. It is beautifully balanced with plenty of acid to compliment the full body and structured tannins. The finish is incredibly persistent, with layers of fruit and spice coating the palate long after the wine is gone. A wonderful example of Pinot Noir from Santa Maria, this will pair beautifully with dishes that cry out for Pinot, like roasted pork, or anything with mushrooms. This is one you don’t want to miss out on!
Vineyard: Garey Ranch Vineyard
Clones: 777 and 115
Cooperage: 50% new French Oak barrels for 11 months
Alcohol: 14.5%
Case Production: 300
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
96 Point Vintage
Entices with aromas of Bing cherry, raspberry, and cedar spice. Indicative of the cool vintage, the wine carries a freshness throughout. The palate offers a harmonious balance between bright red fruit, spice, and nicely woven tannins.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
