Brian Loring has developed a cult following with wine lovers for his vineyard designated Pinot Noir. After starting making wines on a shoestring budget in a rented warehouse while working a day job, Loring has grown to produce a series of Pinot’s in small quantities. Although he still works his day job as a software engineer, I’d be surprised if he didn’t have a winery and reach his goal of making 3,000 cases within a year or two.
Garys’ Vineyard, where the fruit was grown for this wine, is located in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA near Monterey, California. Owned by Gary Franscioni and Gary Pisoni, their 50 acres are planted to Pinot Noir and Syrah. Almost 20 wineries buy fruit from the Garys’ including Pinot superstars Siduri and Kosta Browne.
I’ve never had the chance to taste any Loring Pinot’s until this past holiday season when this bottle was opened. I’m very much looking forward to tasting more as this first wine is right up my alley; massive fruit, good acidity and an elegance not often found in California Pinot Noir.
Loring Wine Company, Pinot Noir, “Garys’ Vineyard”, Santa Lucia Highlands 2005 ($48) – Bright ruby in color with a very aromatic nose of black cherry, raspberry and cinnamon. Forward cherry fruit flavors and good acidity with some spice and nicely integrated tannins. A delicious, elegant Pinot that should continue to please for the next couple of years. If you are lucky enough to see some for sale; buy it.
13.8 ABV
Stelvin closure
Score: 93
I have not tried this pinot, but it sounds like a good one, and I have had other pinots (testarossa is one) from Santa Lucia Highlands that were full bodied and excellent. Look forward to trying it.
I love your site, thankyou.
I also love Gary’s vineyard pinot’s. One of my favorites is the Lucia 2003. I am also a fan of Suduri. My absolute favorite is Patz and Hall.
Below is a great site that talks about pinot’s many of them from the central coast.
http://www.tastesoflife.blogspot.com/
Nothing better than a nice swedish girl talking about wine’s from my favorite region.
Tim,
Yes, it’s the imfamous Stevo hitting your site and spreading the love. I had Loring’s 2005 Cargasachi, Rosella’s & Gary’s…they’re okay, but compared to his 2003’s & 2004’s…in a word…disappointing to say the least. Balanced but light. Good for food but not $40-45 good…more like $20-25 good. Be sure to check out our blogcast 17 in the next week or two. I mention the wines that Brian is making for a new winery, Pali. In addition, to all of the big vineyards that he makes for his own label (Durrell, Cargasachi, Rosella’s, Gary’s…under the Pali label he also got his hands on fruit from the renowned Shea vineyard in Willlamette. I was absolutely stoked to try this…how did it fare? Tune it to see 🙂
Stevo,
Thanks for stopping by and letting us know about your upcoming show. I thought this wine was quite nice with plenty of weight but to each his own 😉
I’ll look for Pali, as well.
Cheers!