VINEYARD Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CLONES Pisoni
ORIENTATION North / East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Sandy loam and glacial alluvial
FERMENTATION 100% stainless steel, 8% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 44% new French oak for 12 months, 80% finished in a wood cask for 3 months prior to bottling
ALCOHOL 14.1%
pH 3.66
TA 5.71 g/L
AROMA
A complex arrangement of dried raspberry and strawberry with wild, rustic sagebrush.
PALATE
Focused in its approach, with an unfathomed structure and light frame. A beautiful age-worthy wine.
Widely recognized as one of California’s finest vineyards, Pisoni helped make the Pinot Noirs from the Santa Lucia Highlands among the most coveted in the state. Reaching elevations of 1,300 feet and featuring granite and sandstone soils, as well as a southeastern exposure, the site always yields a dramatic wine with incredible color and concentration. The 45 planted acres here are divided into small blocks that follow the contours of the mountains. The lean, decomposed granite soils are well-drained, stressing the vines and forcing their roots deep into the earth in search of water and nutrients.
There is a vivid, lively quality to this wine as it showcases a complex arrangement of dried raspberry, strawberry, and rustic wild herbs. Strikingly powerful and with outstanding depth and structure, Pisoni’s smooth finish is balanced by the light frame.
Fact of Note: 8% of blend came from a special carbonic fermentation done in stainless steel.
THE SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS IS recognized for producing some of California’s most powerful yet intricate and impeccably balanced Pinot Noirs. Perched upon the East-facing terraces of the Santa Lucia Mountains, the vines are consistently cooled by wind and fog drawn from the depths of Monterey Bay.
Within this region is the city of Salinas, an agricultural town surrounded by fruit and vegetable growers with a comprehensive climate blended of coastal breezes and sun that is ideal for grape-growing. There are plenty of favorite local hangouts to discover if you make the stop. The BBQ is truly magical and worthy of a detour in and of itself.
