Capiaux Cellars "Gary’s Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Higlands, California 2023
Capiaux Cellars "Gary’s Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Higlands, California 2023
Capiaux Cellars "Gary’s Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Higlands, California 2023
Capiaux Cellars "Gary’s Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Higlands, California 2023

Capiaux Cellars "Gary’s Vineyard" Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Higlands, California 2023

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Since 1994, Sean Capiaux has been dedicated to pursuing the "Holy Grail" of Pinot Noir through single-vineyard bottlings that express unique terroir. Gary's Vineyard represents a partnership between Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni in the acclaimed Santa Lucia Highlands, continuing the legacy of their friendship that began in childhood. This 50-acre vineyard has been called "one of the most famous vineyards in California" by the Wall Street Journal.
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"Dark appearance with a youthful purple hue and solid core. Striking aromas of currant, cherry liqueur and earth jump from the glass. Flavors of blackberry, smoked meats and espresso meld into a creamy finish. Nicely balanced acids and tannins make this a wine of great nuance and finesse." - Sean Capiaux

Variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Region: Gary's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands, California
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol: 14.1% ABV
Farming Practice: Sustainable, low-yielding vineyard management
Soil Type: Sandy loam with alluvial deposits
Vinification: Natural fermentation with indigenous yeasts, cutting-edge equipment paired with hands-on winemaking, minimal new oak (33%), unfined and unfiltered

Founded by Sean Capiaux in 1994, Capiaux Cellars crafts small-lot, single‑vineyard Pinot Noirs that capture the unique charm of each site. Sean blends a classic-meets-modern winemaking style; natural wines made with minimal new oak to let the fruit and terroir shine. He sources fruit from top sites, always working with growers on a per-acre contract so he can prune, thin, and drop crop as needed for balance and quality.

Sean’s decades-long career spans house names like Jordan, Pine Ridge, Peter Michael, and O’Shaughnessy, bringing expertise, precision, and authenticity to every bottle.

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Capiaux Cellars: California Pinot Noir with a Burgundian Soul

Patrick Capiaux and His Vision

Founded in 1994 by winemaker Patrick Capiaux, Capiaux Cellars has built its reputation as a boutique California winery dedicated almost exclusively to Pinot Noir. Patrick’s experience spans both sides of the Atlantic — with stints at California estates like Jordan, Pine Ridge, and Chalone, as well as time in Bordeaux — and this dual perspective informs his distinctive approach: blending California ripeness with Burgundian finesse.

Single-Vineyard Pinot Noir from California’s Best Sites

Capiaux focuses on single-vineyard Pinot Noir bottlings, each crafted to reflect the individuality of its terroir. Vineyards are sourced from some of California’s finest Pinot Noir regions: the Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Anderson Valley. Old vines, cool-climate exposures, and diverse soils provide complexity and nuance, allowing each bottling to stand as a unique expression.

Winemaking: Minimal Intervention, Maximum Character

Patrick Capiaux is known for his minimal-intervention style. Grapes are hand-harvested, fermentations rely on native yeasts, and oak use is carefully restrained. Whole-cluster fermentation is employed selectively to enhance aromatics and structure. The wines are bottled unfined and unfiltered, preserving their natural texture and depth. The result is Pinot Noir that is pure, balanced, and elegant — wines that age gracefully but also shine in youth.

A Style that Marries Power and Finesse

Capiaux Pinots often show vibrant red and black fruit — cherry, raspberry, plum — with undertones of spice, earth, and floral notes. The structure is firm yet refined, acidity is bright, and tannins are supple. Critics have long praised the wines for achieving what few California producers do: combining generosity of fruit with restraint and precision.

Why Capiaux Matters Today

In an era when many California wines trend toward heaviness, Capiaux remains steadfast in crafting artisanal, terroir-driven Pinot Noir that speaks of place, balance, and authenticity. With over 25 vintages, Patrick Capiaux has proven himself one of California’s most consistent and respected small producers. For those seeking fine wine from a family-scale cellar, Capiaux Cellars stands as a model of integrity and craftsmanship.

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