GRAIL
DK Grail, GARys' VINEYARD Pinot Noir 2021
Vineyard Site
Garys’ Vineyard, a 50-acre gem in the Santa Lucia Highlands, is renowned for its meticulously hand-farmed vines. With yields restricted to about 3 tons per acre, the namesake Garys’ focus on exceptional quality is evident in every aspect of the vineyard management. The vines flourish in well-draining Arroyo Seco Sandy Loam soil and benefit from the cool maritime influence of Monterey Bay, ensuring a long, consistent growing season on the gentle slopes that rise to approximately 400 feet.
Winemaking
This wine was harvested in late September at 25.9 brix. After a five-day cold soak and fifteen-day fermentation, the wine aged for ten months in 50% new French oak before bottling. The coopers included Rousseau, Boutes, and Sirugue.
Dan’s Notes
I have known Garys’ Vineyard for many years and am really enjoying its uniqueness truly stand out. This vineyard is co-owned and farmed by Gary Pisoni and Gary Francioni. Only a stone’s throw from Rosella’s Vineyard, it is truly distinct from its sister plot. Ripe blackberry, cocoa, and stonefruit make this wine a bold expression of Santa Lucia Highlands, with its cool-climate signature of a round mouthfeel with a clean, juicy finish. Unapologetic, but refined and nuanced, this wine will age gracefully and continue to reveal new complexities.
96 POINTS
DK GRAIL Garys' Vineyard Pinot Noir, 2021
“The second Santa Lucia Highlands source for Dan Kosta and Shane Finley is Garys’ Vineyard, also planted to the Pisoni clone of Pinot Noir. It ripens a little earlier than Rosella’s by about 10 days, typically showing less tannin and more elegance with more blue floral notes. It’s not as compact as Rosellsa’s. Dan Kosta has harvested fruit from Garys’ since 2005 when the fruit went into his former Kosta Browne label. Super savoury aromatics of dried sage, rosemary, and thyme, along with intriguing yellow curry aromatics and red berry fruits, have become more defined on the palate. An extraordinary mocha richness envelops the senses, balanced by elegant conifer spices, and the lengthy finish is refreshing with crunchy red skin acidity. It’s just a delicious wine to drink.” – J.C.
The Quest for DK Grail
We are on a quest to perfect wines of elegant intensity and bring them to the rest of the world.
DK Grail is a treasured bottle of Pinot Noir that is exclusively made available to people and hospitality venues on the DK allocation list. Wine enthusiasts and collectors who seek out wines that are rare, unique and difficult to acquire cherish DK Grail. They enjoy the quest to secure an allocation and the pleasure and pride of sharing a bottle with people at special occasions, opportunities to create impactful relationships or lasting memories.