Pinot Noir, Lucia by Pisoni

The 2022 vintage proved to be a year that reinforced the importance of knowing your producer. Overall, the vintage was dry and early, which resulted in beautifully fragrant and concentrated wines—but it was imperative that one acted on quick harvest decisions before an oncoming September heat wave. Rainfall was low and the California drought continued through this year. Five and a half of the seven total inches received this season fell in the month of December. This means much less rain would fall over the growing season, further stressing the vines. In 2022, all of California was facing an intense heat wave that was reminiscent of the 2017 and 2004 vintages. Using past vintages as a guide and wanting to harvest before the heat waves, they made longer passes through the vineyard each night to ensure all blocks were harvested at the desired moments.

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. 11 months 100% French Oak aged, 53% new, 15% whole cluster