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
96 Points
Bold and luxurious with inviting aromas of blackberry, black cherry, tobacco, notes of cedar and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather.
92 Points
Inviting aromas of ripe cherry, strawberry, and pomegranate. The palate unfolds with layered flavors of black cherry, raspberry cordial, vanilla bean and spice, where focused tannins envelop, leading to a rich red fruit finish with blue fruit undertones.
90 Points
Rich and voluptuous with ripe raspberry, cherry, and plum, layered with hints of lavender, fig compote, and exotic spice. Concentrated and complex, the palate is a balanced interplay cocoa, and a hint of espresso, creating both richness and intrigue. Vibrant acidity and silky tannins that contribute heft and length that coat the palate with luscious ripeness that keeps on giving.
94 Points
Deep garnet in color from the ripe 2018 vintage, with open aromas of lush fruit – plum, blackberry, and cherry, and notes of cedar, vanilla, and white pepper. Across the palate it's quite seamless and silky, rich and concentrated. The fruit flavors are bold and vibrant. Mouth-filling with smooth tannins, great texture and a long delicious finish.
96 Points
Aromas of blackberry, black cherry, huckleberry, floral violet and savory spice. The palate is full and layered, with robust, age-worthy tannins and gorgeous flavors of dark berries, mocha and chocolate-covered cherries mingling with hints of graphite, fig and fine leather. Smooth tannins, firm structure and silky texture coat the palate on route to a long, generous finish.
94 Points
Rich and generous, with a deep purple hue. Aromas of crushed violets, ripe berries, blueberry pop-tarts, black currant, licorice, chocolate-coated espresso beans, allspice, and cedar box. Full-bodied with a plush, velvety texture.
Exceptional!
Reddish-purple in color with aromas of blackberry, plum, pomegranate, herbs de Provence, and licorice. The palate is full, structured and balanced with blackberry, currant, black cherry, cassis, and licorice that carries through, with notes of black pepper, mocha and chocolate. Very long, spicy, with a fruit-driven finish. Great aging potential.
94 Points
A classic expression of coastal influenced Chardonnay with aromas of honey, apple chutney, lime blossom, and gentle Indian spice box undertones. A big juicy entry on the palate, showing a silky texture with excellent tension and structure, ending with a complex, layered finish.
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.
95 Points
Lofty aromas of dark cherries, blackberries, and plum mingle with hints of baking spices and a touch of violet. The palate reveals luscious flavors of ripe berries, complemented by notes of black pepper and a subtle earthiness. With well-integrated tannins and a long lingering finish.
94 Points
Juice explodes right out of the glass with its dark purple in color and bursting aromas of black cherry jam, boysenberry, raspberry and wild cherry interlaced with hints of baking spice, espresso bean, and toasted nut. The palate is ripe and juicy with flavors of dark cherry, huckleberry and raspberry perfectly integrated with notes of spice, dark chocolate, and a kiss of toasty oak.
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.
