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.
2021 Lucia Syrah, Susan’s Hill
the VINTAGE
The 2021 growing season in the Santa Lucia Highlands was cool, calm, and collected – a trifecta of traits that is welcomed by any grape grower or winemaker. The winter months were dry overall, receiving only about seven inches of rainfall, and forcing vines to reach deep into the rocky soils beneath them. Seemingly a reminder to be careful what you wish for, the rain was welcomed but not easy to predict. Four of the seven inches came at the end of January, keeping the team on their toes to manage erosion and flooding in the mountain vineyards. Buds broke a week or so later than normal, near the end of March, likely due to the preceding cold winter temperatures. Spring fever and slow growth forced the team to exercise patience and diligence amongst the vines. The Summer followed with mild temperatures, and the vines continued to grow with shorter canopies due to low winter rainfall. It was decided early on to remove extra shoots to create a smaller vine to ensure fruit would fully ripen. Smaller canopies and cooperative weather in the Fall allowed for a gentle harvest, with little stress to rush until the last week of September when temperatures began to rise. Overall, yields were above average with cluster weights staying consistent throughout harvest. The resulting wines are a stunning reflection of a year of cooperation from & collaboration with mother nature, impeccable attention in the vineyards, and exceptional care in the cellar.
the VINEYARD
Susan’s Hill, named for Gary’s sister Susan, is a special block within Pisoni Vineyards. Planted in 2001, this block sits on a rocky outcrop and crowns one of the vineyard’s highest ridges. Its peak is exposed to the elements and buffeted by heavy winds. The coarse, rocky soils ensure that the vines are extremely stressed, resulting in wines that are dark in color and very intense.
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
Traditionally a variety possessing the deeper shades of purple, the 2021 Susan’s Hill Syrah takes this tradition to an extreme with its inky black. The heady aromas that flutter from the glass in waves offer perfumed cassis and graphite that become laced with savory undertones of bacon and smoked meat. Still showing restraint in its infancy, a combination of time and air slowly coax this Syrah from its dormancy. The palate becomes generous and layered, as the pronounced flavors of brambly berries and fresh anise surround the subtleties of pencil shavings and cacao. Each nuance has been achieved through cool, slow fermentation in stainless steel open top tanks and delicate extractions via twice daily hand punch downs of the 80% whole cluster ferment. The vibrant acidity keeps this formidable wine light on its feet while the firm tannin suggests it has a long life ahead.
| Cases Produced | 130 |
|---|---|
| Retail Price | $80 |
| Release Date | Summer 2023 |
| Winemaker | Jeff Pisoni |
| Barrel Aging | 22 months in Foudre (317 gallons) |
|---|---|
| Barrel Origin | 100% French Oak |
| Whole Cluster | 80% |
| Fermentation | 100% Native Yeast |
High Praise from Jeb Dunnuck:
Soil, The Foundation of Winemaking: 
Sculpting Vines: The Art of Pruning