Sun, Wind & Wine: Great Wine and Food in the Prestigious Santa Lucia Highlands AVA!

Part 1: Luli Wines and Mansfield-Dunne

Last year, I was offered a media ticket by Chef’s Palette Spice Rubs to go to the Santa Lucia Highlands Sun, Wind & Wine Festival, but I was unable to go.  This year, I decided to ask the festival directly!  I was generously offered early access tickets to this year’s event on May 13^th.  Thank you so much!

As my avid readers know, Decanting Monterey is a self-funded labor of love to help educate others about our local vintners and their wines.  The only “compensation” I receive is free tastings (most places), discounted purchases, an occasional comped bottle, and, most importantly, the appreciation of our vintners.  I was grateful for this opportunity.

We were surprised to find that the event was indoors – inside the large barrel room of Mer Soleil. We ditched our hats and sunglasses and went inside.  The event reminded us a bit of the California red barrel tastings that Addy Bassin’s MacArthur Beverages in DC used to hold.  I miss those events and am sad they are no longer happening.

The Santa Lucia Highlands Wine Artisans said this about this event: “Sun, Wind & Wine. The Santa Lucia Highlands is a small but mighty winegrowing appellation in Monterey County that cultivates California’s best Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. With generations of family farming, innovation and sustainability as our legacy, our growers and vineyards have earned their place among the state’s most prestigious names for appellation and single-vineyard cool-climate varieties.” The number of wineries present was staggering! Here’s the list from the event website:

Belle Glos | Bernardus Winery | Bruliam Wines | Caraccioli Cellars | Cattleya Wines | Clarice Wine Company | CRU Winery | Folktale Winery & Vineyards | Hahn Family Wines | Integrity Wines | J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines | Joyce Wine Company | Kori Wines | Landmark Vineyards | Luli Wines | Mansfield-Dunne Wines | McIntyre Vineyards | Mer Soleil | Miner Family Winery | Mooney Family Vineyards | Morgan Winery | Odonata | Pessagno | Pisoni Vineyards | Puma Road Winery | Rexford Winery | ROAR Wines | Rombauer Vineyards | Sarah’s Vineyard | Scheid Family Wines | Siduri | Testarossa | Three Furies Wines | Tolosa | Tondre Wines | Windy Oaks | Wrath 

We had a strategy going in – to focus on wineries we did not know, to share pours, and to dump the rest.  We stuck to that approach – but stopped for a bite to eat before we started tasting wine.  There were so many delicious food options – and the portions were not exactly “finger food” but more of a mini meal!  Here’s who was there (from the event website):

Ardent Culinaire | Carmel’s Hidden Gem | Carmel Valley Ranch | Cheesecake Dreamations | Chef’s Palate Spice Rubs | Chef Jacques Zagouri | Dollycakes | H Jackson Events | Lula’s Chocolates | Luigi’s | Rancho Cielo Drummond Culinary Academy | Real Good Fish | Schoch Family Farmstead Cheeses | Star Market | Woody’s at the Airport | Yafa Carmel | Zio Brand Meats, and more.

The pork sandwich provided by Chef’s Palette Spice Rubs, a delicious schnitzel, Schoch Dairy cheeses (which makes the only Monterey Jack cheese produced in Monterey), and Lula’s Chocolates were a few delicious. Yes, Lula’s Chocolates…yum.

If you like good food – and love Pinot Noir – this is the event for you!

Our strategy worked pretty well.  For the most part, we did not have to stand in line and tried many wines from wineries we had not experienced before, as well as catching up with a few well-known-to-us wineries.  I tried to take notes and pictures, but the whole thing was a bit overwhelming. We did have some good conversations with the new-to-us wineries. 

One of my biggest takeaways was how many out of area wineries were present, banking on the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA name on their bottles.  After all, according to the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (my go-to resource on Monterey wine), Monterey County is the largest producer of Chardonnay in the United States and the largest producer of Pinot Noir in California and roughly 50% of Monterey County grapes are purchased outside the county. 

I’ve broken the coverage of this event into several posts, beginning with our true Monterey County wineries.  To make it even more special, I am starting today with 2 local wineries we had not heard of before this event. They deserve it! Any winery notes are from their websites or from the pourers at this event. Any errors are mine and mine alone. Instead of detailed tasting notes, I’ll talk about some of the wineries we met through this event and impressions of the wines we tasted. 

I will present the rest of the Monterey wineries the following week, then the other Central Coast wineries, wrapping with the out of area wineries. And, consistent with our tasting strategy, I have only included wineries we have not presented before. 

As a reminder:  Pinot Noir is not my wheelhouse, so I can only go by impressions. That said, I would gladly attend this event again – and take even more pictures!

Let’s go!

LULI WINES

We had never heard of Luli Wines.  This was our very last stop on this day and was a great discovery.  Yes, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – but also a very nice Syrah, a varietal I seek out wherever we taste. We had no idea in the moment that this was a very special Sara Floyd-Pisoni Family project!

About Luli Wines:

“Wine offers expression of people-in-relation rather than selves apart. Luli, the result of a partnership between a master sommelier, a distinguished vineyard manager and an expert winemaker, provides a particularly happy example of the way in which wine creates community, because Luli is itself a collective enterprise. Sommelier, grape-grower, and winemaker, we three approach wine from different angles, but work synergistically to craft exceptional hand-crafted vintages at comfortable prices. We thrive together—and have fun doing so. And why not? The pleasure of wine supplies us with a way to enjoy life. So open a bottle, pour the swirling liquid into a glass, and celebrate, as we do, the bonds between family and friends.

“Sara Floyd, our sommelier, owns Swirl Wine Brokers and has a long history finding and distributing delectable wines for restaurants. Mark Pisoni, our grape grower, coaxes the vines to produce top-notch fruit with which Jeff, his brother, crafts outstanding vintages. With Luli, we set out as a team to create a new line of wines from high-quality fruit that is both affordable and top-notch.

“Luli wines are sourced from vineyards in or near the Santa Lucia Highlands, the Pisoni family’s home base. Together with Sara, the goal of Jeff and Mark is to illustrate the very best this beautiful wine region has to offer. Accordingly, we purchase grapes from old friends in the area and in this way stay close to the process of farming.

“We live wine. We are a master sommelier, grapegrowers and winemakers. Our partnership—Sara Floyd and the Pisoni Family—came together from different aspects of the wine business. Sara is a Master Sommelier, the owner of Swirl Wine Brokers and has a long history in wine and restaurants. The Pisoni Family is known for its eponymous vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands and for Pisoni Estate and Lucia wines. Deciding that we would make a great team and noting the shortage of handcrafted wines at reasonable prices, we set out to create a new line of wines that you would love, at prices you can afford. We seek high quality fruit and craft exceptional wines.”

2022 Luli Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $22 (#993)

Winery Notes from the Tech Sheet: “…The 2022 Luli Chardonnay presents itself with a bold lemon-hued core that stretches to the edge of glass, where tinges of youthful green brilliance become perceptible. Ripe notes of red apple, fresh pear, and subtle hints of stone fruit act as a veritable aromatic orchard, while undertones of flint and baking spice add complexity. Seamlessly traveling from nose to palate, this Chardonnay continues with flavors of crisp apple, toasted vanilla bean, and a hint of lemon oil. Aging in 100% neutral oak and without any malolactic fermentation allows the truest expression of this variety to shine. Chalky texture from sur lie aging and fresh acidity from the influences of the Pacific Ocean create a dazzling and lengthy finish.” 1,129 cases produced

2021 Luli Lemoravo Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#994)

Winery Notes from the Tech Sheet:

THE VINEYARD: “The Lemoravo Vineyard is set 400 feet in elevation in the southern hills of the Santa Lucia Highlands. The vineyard is planted among the decomposed granite alluvial fans that make up a series of isolated islands among the bench lands. This site places the vineyard in rugged soils and heavy fog. As a tribute to this land’s history, the name is a three-word portmanteau as a tribute to the region’s former crops: Lemons, Oranges, and Avocados…”

TASTING NOTES: “The 2021 Luli Lemoravo Vineyard Pinot Noir is a refreshing example of the dynamic terroir and climate within the Santa Lucia Highlands. Deep ruby to its core, this wine slowlyunfolds with layered aromas of strawberry crème, fresh-cut sage, red cherry, and sandalwood. Staying true to its aromatic profile, flavors of candied Bing cherry, kirsch, black tea, and fresh earth immerse the palate completely. This is a deliciously complex Pinot Noir that finishes with noticeable texture, youthful acidity, and soft, silky tannin.” 142 cases produced

2021 Luli Monte Linda Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $40 (#995)

Winery Notes from the Tech Sheet:

THE VINEYARD: “Residing high above the Salinas Valley at almost 715 feet in elevation, Monte Linda Vineyard is in the southern portion of the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. This vineyard sits above the morning fog line, allowing for greater sun exposure, while at the same time seeing cooler nighttime temperatures, allowing the vines to rest and achieve a longer growing season. These conditions, along with the vineyard’s rocky soils, create deeply textured wines with notable structure…”

TASTING NOTES: “Sporting a youthful, purple-tinged hue, this Pinot Noir packs a bouquet of vibrant aromas of black cherry, plum, and a spicy undertone of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon. On the palate,

soft tannin envelops juicy flavors of dark berry compote, while savory notes of baking spice and earthy hints of forest floor create added complexity. The coastal influences of the Santa Lucia Highlands permit long hang-time for each pristine cluster, resulting in optimum berry development and ripeness as well as preservation of age-worthy acidity.” 94 cases produced.

2021 Luli Syrah, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.1% ABV, $23   (#996)

Winery Notes from the Tech Sheet:

THE VINEYARD: “The 2021 Syrah was sourced entirely from various sustainably farmed vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The vines are well-trained, carry low yields and are planted to a variety of different clones. Soils are well-drained and primarily granite in composition. These factors, combined with the fog and cool winds of the Santa Lucia Highlands provide wonderful growing conditions for Pinot Noir.”

TASTING NOTES: “Sporting richly hued shades of dark ruby and near purple, the 2021 Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Syrah is a hidden gem crafted from a notoriously difficult vintage in this prestigious Californiaappellation. Each swirl in the glass brings new life to this savory and spicy offering, with notes of freshly ground coffee, dark chocolate, new leather, and spiced plum filling setting the stage. As this deliciously pure Syrah coats the palate, waves of blackberry crumble, red cherry, and black pepper pair with hints of dried herbs de Provence and subtle meaty undertones to create a complex mélange of flavors. Approachable to its core, this wine still possesses structured tannin and remarkable acidity which suggests it will continue to age for years to come.” 475 cases produced

My Review: This Syrah was inky in the glass with rich, smooth dark fruit flavors.  It is a lovely Syrah – and without what I call the Central Coast Syrah funk!  I would like to try this wine again and again. May 2023

MANSFIELD-DUNNE

We had never heard of Mansfield-Dunne before and were very excited to learn about this winery.  There wines were impressive. Its vineyards are here in the Santa Lucia Highlands, while its winery and tasting room, interestingly, are in San Francisco!

About Mansfield-Dunne:

“Mansfield-Dunne is a grower-producer of Santa Lucia Highlands wines. Only by owning our vineyards and meticulous organic farming, are we able to represent the true essence of the Santa Lucia Highlands — for us it truly starts in the vineyard…

“Our two estate vineyards show the breadth of possibilities in the Santa Lucia Highlands.

“Since 2011, we have been producing estate Pinot Noir from Peterson Vineyard and have added additional wines from Peterson and Cortada Alta as nature and vineyard development have allowed. Our Single Vineyard wines provide age-worthy expressions of what the Santa Lucia Highlands are capable of, while our Appellation wines show how our two single vineyards compliment each other. The full range of wines is driven by a desire to showcase what grows best in the Santa Lucia Highlands and the range of the appellation.”

VISIT Mansfield-Dunne: “Mansfield-Dunne is a grower-producer of Santa Lucia Highlands wines. Only by owning our vineyards and meticulous organic farming, are we able to represent the true essence of the Santa Lucia Highlands — for us it truly starts in the vineyard.

“Mansfield-Dunne Wines sources fruit only from our estate vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands and produces wine at our winery located in San Francisco. Winery visits are available to our members by appointment. Reach out to us and we will respond as soon as possible.”

All winery notes come from this link: https://www.mansfield-dunne.com/Wines

2022 Mansfield-Dunne Peterson Vineyard Rosé, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14% ABV, $29 (#997)

Winery Notes: “This complex, ruby pink Rosé of Pinot Noir is a perfect year-round refreshment.  The nose greets you with notes of candied strawberry, fresh cut roses, and grapefruit zest.  Juicy acid is framed by notes of strawberry shortcake, maraschino cherry, rose water and a subtle minerality.  This wine finishes soft and creamy with pleasant bursts of toasty spice.”

2020 Mansfield-Dunne  Peterson Vineyard Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.2% ABV, $45 (#998)

Winery Notes: “Tropical and rich to its core, this vintage of Peterson Chardonnay expresses intense fruit, beautiful spice, and complex minerality. The nose opens with notes of guava, toasted coconut, and savory pineapple balanced by perfumed vanilla bean. On the palate, soft acidity frames notes of fresh melon and lemon zest. Rich baking spice, subtle pepper, and smooth vanilla peak on a long textured and creamy finish that goes on and on. Enjoy now through 2026.”

2019 Mansfield-Dunne Cortada Alta Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, 14.5% ABV, $58 (#999)

Winery Notes: “This dark purple, elegant Pinot Noir is a true expression of the long, cool growing season at Cortada Alta. Its intriguing nose of wild sage, black cherries, raspberry, applewood, ground coffee, and toasty oak draws you into the glass. Vibrant acidity enlivens notes of Bing cherry and raspberry pepper jelly on the fruity palate. Hints of cocoa and baking spices accent the bright, structured mid palate and transcend to a long, seamless finish.”

My Notes: We found this wine to be an excellent expression of Pinot Noir – very tasty.

© Decanting Monterey 2023