Located in the Santa Ynez valley, this attractive winery has had a mixed track record since its debut vintage in the mid-eighties. However, under the increasingly inspired winemaking helm of Rick Longoria, Gainey has begun to exploit its considerable potential. Vintages in the nineties, including unreleased barrel samples of their 1992s, should make Gainey Vineyard a more noteworthy competitor at the top end of the fine wine market. I remember well the vegetal red wines produced by Gainey in the eighties, but this problem has been rectified. The 1990 Merlot is austere, lean, and herbaceous. This Merlot should be consumed over the next 4-5 years. At a time when too many wineries appear to be asleep at the wheel and are content to maintain their status quo, Gainey Vineyard is making major strides in quality. Tel. (805) 688-0558