With generations of farming history in Monterey County, and a commitment to making exceptional wines, the Pisoni Family hand-crafts the Lucia wines from the Pisoni, Garys’ and Soberanes Vineyards of the Santa Lucia Highlands.
2020 Lucia, Soberanes Vineyard ChardonnaySanta Lucia Highlands, California
the Vintage
2020 will certainly leave a lasting mark in the annals of history. The 2020 vintage in the Santa Lucia Highlands was no exception. 12 inches of rain fell over the winter months, soaking the thirsty soils. In late March as the world around us closed down, the vines were waking with budbreak—a little later than normal, but a welcome sight after months of cold and wet weather. A moderate spring brought forth strong, healthy growth in the vines, with the prospect of a large crop on the horizon. Cool, coastal fog and afternoon winds had the vines tracking slightly later than normal, but then nearly a week straight of record-high temperatures started August 15th, followed by approaching wildfires and yet another heat spike. The harvest team acted quickly and carefully to bring in the fruit early and maintain integrity and freshness of the grapes.
the Vineyard
The Soberanes Vineyard is the latest joint venture between the Pisoni and Franscioni families. Situated on the Santa Lucia Highlands Bench adjacent to the Garys’ Vineyard and recently named “one of the appellation’s most esteemed properties” by the Wine Enthusiast, the site features tightly spaced vines and is planted to 33 acres of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. The clonal material planted in the loamy, rocky soil is very diverse and features over a dozen of the most renowned heritage selections from California and Burgundy.
the Winemaking
The Pisoni Family is committed to raising and hand-crafting exceptional wines. The limited-production Lucia wines are created using classic, gentle and thoughtful winemaking techniques. Hand-picked and sorted grapes are fermented with native yeast and aged in carefully selected French oak barrels. Our state-of-the-art winemaking facility uses gravity flow as part of a custom design conceived to merge the estate vineyards and winery. This affords us complete control of the farming and winemaking process, ensuring consistently superior quality.
Tasting Notes
The 2020 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Chardonnay will stake its claim as a stunning example of what meticulous farming and winemaking practices can produce in a notoriously challenging vintage. Youthfully tinged with shades of green around its rim, this wine possesses a richly colored core. Hesitant at first to reveal its true aromatic profile, this Chardonnay comes to life with each fleeting moment. It boasts classic chalky notes of crushed rock and wet stone that are intrinsic to this dynamic site, while aromas of peach, orange blossom, and candied lemon peel fill the air. Benefiting from slow yet persistent fermentation carried out by indigenous yeast, this wine has pure and unmistakable notes of crisp pear and Ambrosia apple that become the focal point as it surrounds the palate. Distinct mineral-laced undertones and noticeable salinity from the coastal influences of this site pair beautifully with its volume and richness. On the finish, this fruit-driven density and concentration is speared by vibrant acidity then wrapped in a complex texture born from minimal battonage through the 15 months of peaceful sur-lie slumber.
| Cases Produced | 210 |
|---|---|
| Retail Price | $65 |
| Release Date | Spring 2022 |
| Winemaker | Jeff Pisoni |
| Barrel Aging | 16 months in 30% New Oak |
|---|---|
| Barrel Origin | 100% French Oak |
| Fermentation | 100% Native Yeast |
Risk and Rewards in the Santa Lucia Highlands:
Forever Farmers: Sustainability at Pisoni Vineyards 
Pisoni Family Vineyards Earns a Prestigious