Pinot Noir, Pisoni 'Estate'

It all started with a dream about Pinot Noir. A true visionary in the Santa Lucia Highlands, Gary Pisoni has worked tirelessly since collecting and making his first wines in the 1970’s, planting Pisoni Vineyards in 1982, and the producing of the first Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir with his sons in 1998. The Pisoni brothers work in close collaboration to continue their father’s vision. Just as Vineyard Manager, Mark, approaches growing and harvesting in the vineyard block-by-block, Winemaker, Jeff, [aka Bibiana’s husband] vinifies in small lots, hand-sorting grapes, observing, tasting, and testing them as they undergo native yeast fermentation, and carefully supervising their lives in the cellar.

Each year, they dedicate their energy and efforts to crafting one distinguished Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir which demonstrates their connection with the vineyard and communicates the nature of its hardy, granitic soils and the windswept hillsides that rise around it. They practice great vigilance over the fruit, aiming for modest yields in order to obtain their Estate Pinot Noir’s intense character, rich color, and exuberant aromatics. Production is extremely limited, varying annually between 500-800 cases.

A sumptuous blend of 60% Pisoni Vineyard, 23% Garys’ Vineyard, and 17% Soberanes Vineyard, this wine offers up enticing aromas of strawberry compote, juicy cranberry, sandalwood, and black tea leaves, all contained within the embrace of its deep ruby hue. Carefully monitored fermentation temperatures and methodical extraction techniques have produced a wine of remarkable depth, concentration, and complexity. Layers of black cherry, Mission fig, spiced plum, and berry crumble provide a stepping stone for more subtle hints of fresh sage, clove, and vanilla bean to make their voices heard. A true snapshot of these wind-swept vines, this Pinot Noir finishes with vibrant acidity and a distinct, yet noticeably approachable structure.