2024 Pisoni Estate, Chardonnay
FARMERS. WINEMAKERS. FAMILY. Gary Pisoni evoked a passion for wine and revolutionized how people percieved the Santa Lucia Highlands. His 1982 planting in the unlikely terrain of his mountain vineyard was abound with firsts, hurdles and naysayers—until he planted his proprietary selection of Pinot Noir, discovered water and began producing world-renown Pinot Noir.
The iconic Pisoni Estate is now managed by brothers Mark and Jeff, vineyard manager and winemaker. The Vineyards consists of small blocks arranged on and around the ridges of the mountainous landscape. Farming is precise, and carried out with a long-term vision and sustainability.
The Pisoni Family produces essentially two wines per year under this label. Pinot Noir has been the long-standing flagship of Pisoni Vineyards. However, Gary had included Chardonnay with his initial plantings in 1982, and later planted more tiny blocks—only where the soils best align for Chardonnay.
VINEYARD
- Three small blocks planted between 1999 and 2011
- Older block remains as own-rooted vines
- Old-Wente and Suitecase selections
- Planted in blocks with very rocky soil
- 100% sustainable farming
- Hand-farmed & hand-harvested
VINTAGE
- Average winter rainfall of 13”
- Late budbreak due to cold spring temperatures
- Mild summer with steady vine growth
- Harvest begins with early- September warm spell
- Temperatures quickly turn cold and pause harvest and extend ripening season
WINERY
- Hand Sorting
- 100% native-yeast fermentation
- Whole cluster pressing for gentle extraction
- 100% French oak barrels: 50% new oak
- Minimal battonage is carried out to encourage reductive environment
- Only natural settling of the wine is utilized: No use of fining or filtration
Notes
Pale lemon with youthful green highlights, the 2024 Pisoni Estate Chardonnay is beautiful and enticing. The wine opens with Meyer lemon zest, white peach, and a thread of acacia flower. Showing the effects of high-altitude grape growing and careful winemaking, there is a citrus oil richness that carries through the palate and freshness expressed as flinty minerality. Crushed granite and a trace of brioche deepen the aromatics and showcase the rugged soil and native fermentation approach. The palate is textured, layered and also carries a precise finish. Bosc pear and lemon curd arrive while a bright line of acidity cleanses the palate. Drinking beautifully now, this Chardonnay will reward years in the cellar.
- Mark & Gary Pisoni, Vineyard Managers
- Jeff Pisoni, Winemaker
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- Cases Produced: 98
- Bottled Date: February 17, 2026
- Release Date: September 8, 2026
Jeb Dunnuck 
Gary Pisoni.
Lisa Perrotti-Brown