In contrast to the 1992 Bien Nacido Pinot Noir, the 1992 Pinot Noir Sanford & Benedict Vineyard exhibits a deeper color, a bigger red and black fruit character, a more subtle herbaceous component, medium to full body, and a lavish, spicy, smoky new oak note. It should be drunk over the next 2-3 years.Tel. (805) 688-0558

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. Gainey has made its best Pinot Noirs to date with the 1991s and unreleased 1992s. The two cuvees of 1991 Pinot Noir are more serious wines, and I am delighted to report that they were bottled unfiltered - a first for this winery. The 1991 Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara's superb Sanford and Benedict Vineyard displays a deeper color, a rich, spicy, vanillin, plum, and raspberry-scented nose. There is gorgeous richness, a multidimensional flavor profile, plenty of power, yet a wonderful velvety texture and layered feel. Drink this sumptuous Pinot Noir over the next 5-6 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