THE STORY
Today’s post is about 2 exceptional Lucia by Pisoni wines we have enjoyed recently. One was given to us by a visiting friend and the other we ordered while dining at the The Fish Hopper on Monterey’s Cannery Row.
I’ve written about Lucia by Pisoni a couple of times –the best way to find them would be to search “Pisoni” on the Decanting Monterey website.
THE WINERY
About Lucia by Pisoni:
“The terrain was rough. There was no water. ‘Gary is crazy’ everyone said. Years later, he had developed one of “California’s great sites.” Read the whole story here!
Gary Pisoni is one of the pioneers in exceptional winegrowing and winemaking in the Santa Lucia Highlands. When he told his parents he wanted to plant vineyards on their farmland, his parents thought he was crazy. He planted his first 5 acres in 1982 and, once he found a water source, he expanded the vineyard another 17 acres. Those grapes are now amongst the most respected and coveted in all of Monterey County. He finally began producing his own wines in 2000. His operation is a family affair, with his two sons, Mark and Jeff Pisoni, joining the team.
THE WINES
Today I am presenting 2 Lucia by Pisoni wines. As usual, the winery notes come from their tasting sheet, website, or conversations with the owner. Any errors are mine and mine alone. As a practice, I do not correct typos from winery websites.
2022 Lucia by Pisoni Estate Cuvee Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.1% ABV, $55 (#1545)
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “The Lucia Pinot Noir Estate Cuvée represents the synergy that develops when three estate-farmed vineyards are blended and bottled as a singular wine. The 2022 vintage is comprised of 70% Pisoni Vineyards, 14% Garys’ Vineyard, and 16% Soberanes Vineyard. As the wine’s medium-ruby hue fills the glass, aromas of crushed strawberry, spiced plum, and underlaying hints of dark berry develop. The Pinot Noir transitions to the palate and shows savory notes of Asian spice, black tea, then gains volume with notes of plush red berries and subtle vanilla—from eleven months of aging in 45% new French oak barrels. The heavy morning fog and bracing coastal winds of the mountainous Santa Lucia Highlands keep this wine fresh and provide acidity that reawakens the palate after each sip. The finish shows youthful and layered, yet distinctly approachable tannin.”
You can read more about this wine on its tech sheet here.
My Review: Translucent, dark ruby with a purple tinge in the glass. Faint cherry nose with a quaffable palate with cherry and brambly flavors. This is not your typical SLH Pinot Noir! April 2025
2021 Lucia by Pisoni Syrah, Soberanes Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, Monterey County, 14.2% ABV, $65 (#1546)
Winery Notes (2018 Vintage): “Staking its claim as an immaculate representation of the new world, yet harkening back to its ancestral old-world roots, the 2021 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Syrah is a harmonizing display of this variety. The explosive profile bursts from the bottle immediately upon removing the cork and amplifies as this deep purple wine splashes into a glass. The aromatic intricacies are woven around notes of macerated blueberries and blackberry compote paired with a perfume of anise, violets, and fresh herbs. Coating the palate, this Syrah manages an unmistakable concentration and an undeniable elegance. Berry cobbler, new leather, toasted vanilla bean, and olive tapenade flavors gain momentum as the wine takes each breath. Vibrant acid and firm tannin from 100% whole cluster fermentation proclaim this wine’s youth. Drink now if you must, but patience will reward those who can resist the temptation of early enjoyment.”
You can read more about this wine on its tech sheet here.
My Review: I am disappointed to discover that I did not take tasting notes for this wine. I recall it being very smooth, sophisticated and delicious. I am not usually a fan of SLH Syrah but this one proved me wrong. The San Francisco Chronicle calls their Syrah “California’s Syrah at its best.” April 2025
© Decanting Monterey 2025
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