VINEYARD Pisoni, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CLONES Pisoni
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Arroyo Seco gravelly sandy loam, fluvents, placentia sandy loam
FERMENTATION 23% stainless steel, 77% concrete; 8% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 38% new French oak for 14 months, then 100% of the blend was aged for 1 month in stainless steel
ALCOHOL 14.3%
pH 3.73
TA 5.2g/L
AROMA
Blueberry syrup, violet liqueur, and bark. Cocoa powder, earthy and a touch of cardamom and sage.
PALATE
Powerful and juicy entry. Savory and jammy mid palate leads to velvety mouthfeel with plenty of weight. Vibrant, dried cherry finish. Well balanced.
The Pisoni Vineyard, widely acclaimed as one of California’s most important vineyards, has played an instrumental role in elevating the status of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noirs. Perched at 1,300 feet elevation with granitic and sandstone soils, 45 acres have been planted and divided into small blocks by the contours of the Santa Lucia Mountains.
The 2023 Pisoni Vineyard Pinot Noir is a testament to its exceptional terroir. Fermented mostly in concrete and then aged in 38% French barrels for 14 months, as always a wine of unique depth and remarkable complexity. In the glass the nose fills with the aromas of blueberry syrup, violet liqueur, and earthy layers with cocoa powder and hints of cardamom and wild sage, creating a rich and intriguing bouquet. On the palate, a powerful, juicy entry leads to a savory, jammy mid-palate, giving a velvety mouthfeel with plenty of weight and depth. The finish is vibrant, with lingering notes of dried cherry, perfectly balanced by the wine’s structured richness and polished tannin.
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.
With soaring aromas and pure, exquisite flavors, these are incredible wines from a not-to-be-missed vintage.
– Julien Howsepian