2023 Samuel Louis Smith "Escolle Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands Gamay
Insider's Advantage
95WE
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93VN
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95
Wine Enthusiast
Reviewed May 2025Though it’s a young wine from a variety without much recent aging history in California, this Gamay Noir seems built to last awhile in the cellar. Aromas of tart cherry, warm sandalwood, crushed peppercorns and porky game lead from the nose into a lively, bright palate of raspberry, herb and cinnamon. *Cellar Selection* (MK)
Professional Reviews
94
Jeb Dunnuck
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)
93
Vinous
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)
Details
| Type | Red Wine |
|---|---|
| Varietal | Gamay |
| Origin | Santa Lucia Highlands, California, United States |
| Bottle Size | 750 mL |
| Alcohol Content | 12.6% |
| SKU | 1864300 |