Garys' Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands 2004 Pinots Rock!

I had been under the impression that Salinas Valley was where most of the cheap table wine grapes were sourced. The famed vineyard owned by Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni in the Santa Lucia Highlands has been at the center of my pinot tasting these past few days. The SLH sub-appellation is challenging Santa Rita Hills for top pick for can't miss (i.e. pick any producer) 04 Pinot Noir.

Last night we pulled out the Morgan 04 Pinot from Garys' vineyard. It was delicious. The color was a bit lighter than I had expected but the taste (spicy cherry and maybe a hint of thyme- fruit is easier for me to identify than herb) was amazing. I should note that the two people I was drinking with had mad a comment about an off order immediately after pulling the cork and pouring.  With a bit of air in the glass they couldn't locate any issues. I didn't experience anything negative in this bottle.

Ok, I am awaiting a comment about me being the source of the off order.  This time, it wasn't me. 

This past weekend we pulled a Miner Garys' Vineyard 2004 Pinot too. It was deep ruby in color and very similar in taste to the Morgan the main difference being this wine was more full-bodied.

Both delicious and both about 50$