James Suckling on
The 2023 Lucia Vintage


Lucia James Suckling Reviews

We are incredibly grateful to James Suckling for the high praise of 2023 Lucia by Pisoni wines. This recognition celebrates not only the wines themselves, but also the values at the heart of the Pisoni Family — a commitment to sustainability, stewardship of the land, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in Pinot Noir.


2023 Lucia Chardonnay, Estate Cuvée
93 points

Silky, this textural chardonnay has immense internal energy, showing lanolin, honeycomb, savory notes and persimmon. Gently toasty oak spices lend layered complexity, and the finish fans out with minerals and sunny citrus. Terrific balance of broadness and verve. Drink or hold.


2023 Lucia Chardonnay, Soberanes Vineyard
94 points

Nervy and rich all at once with rocky minerality and ripe citrus—Meyer lemons, primarily—all carried on a creamy yet energetic palate. Saline notes to the minerals make for a savory wine that still showcases plenty of bright fruit with a clip of tarragon at the end. Great bones and focus. Drink or hold.


2023 Lucia Pinot Noir, Estate Cuvée
92 points

This bursts from the glass with fresh- picked cherries and wild strawberries, the open-textured character paving the way for a mineral-seamed, nicely structured palate. The five-spice and licorice find excellent counterparts in red, almost floral plums. Drink or hold.


2023 Lucia Pinot Noir, Soberanes Vineyard
94 points

Perfumes of hibiscus and rose petals lift the well-structured, balanced flavors of brambleberries and fresh cherries. A quiet citrus note of blood oranges sweeps in on the midpalate and through the finish. Fresh herbs as well. Very textural with impressive length, acidity and complexity. Drink or hold.


2023 Lucia Pinot Noir, Garys' Vineyard
94 points

Dark and relatively brooding in character, there is density and weight to this exceptional pinot. Birch and classic regional acidity kick up a rich, fascinatingly complex palate of plums, brambleberries and bergamot with allspice and star anise. Excellent now and well into the future. Drink or hold.


2023 Lucia Syrah, Soberanes Vineyard
95 points

Green peppercorn and game aromas are judiciously softened up with hard plums before a taut, substantial palate of cracked peppercorns, bruised plums and blackberries. A subtle violet lift at the edges. The finish is long, riveting and staining. Best after 2027 and for decades.


2023 Lucia Syrah, Susan's Hill
95 points

From the highest ridge in the vineyard, this block expression is immensely structured, a skeleton with impressive posture, muscle and density. Steeped black tea, birch and blood as well as iron, venison and tapenade add savoriness to black cherries and plums. Best after 2028 and for decades.