Sitting at a higher elevation but still in the fog most of the morning, the 2023 Gamay Noir Escolle Vineyard comes from grapes field-budded from Pinot Noir to Gamay in 2019; 2021 was the first year it was ready to harvest. The famous SLH winds cool down the fruit zone, allowing acidity to build while ripening the grapes and their thicker skins. Fermented 100% whole-cluster, this medium-bodied wine is dynamic and beguiling in earthy, fruity strawberry and is highly enjoyable now. (VB)

The 2023 Gamay Noir Escolle Vineyard is a highly intriguing wine that melds together the bold fruit of Gamay Noir with a cool micro-climate in the Santa Lucia Highlands and a touch of whole clusters from the semi-carbonic maceration. Explosive and bold in the glass, with notable persistence and tons of character, the Gamay Noir is a winner. I especially admire its character and overall poise. (AG)