2024 Pisoni Estate, Pinot Noir
FARMERS. WINEMAKERS. FAMILY. Gary Pisoni evoked a passion for wine and revolutionized how people percieved Pinot Noir in 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 one wine per year under this label. The wine is a blend from several low-yielding blocks on the Estate and is hand-crafted to best represent the vineyard and spirit of the Pisoni Family. Total production ranges from 500 to 800 cases annually, depending on yield.
VINEYARD
- One of the highest-elevation vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands: 1,300 feet
- Decomposed granite soil. High amounts of schist and quartz
- Heavy fog influence
- 36 planted acres with 30 individually farmed blocks or sub-blocks
- 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
- 40% whole-cluster fermentation
- 100% French oak barrels: 70% new oak
- Minimal intervention is practiced
- Only natural settling of the wine is utilized: No use of fining or filtration
Notes
The 2024 Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir is generous, complex and structured. This Pinot Noir showcases a deep ruby color with a purple core. On the nose, crushed raspberry and dark cherry open first, followed by layers of Santa Rosa plum, rose petal, and a whisper of violet. Sage, sandalwood, and crushed granite emerge with air, carrying a subtle mineral character. On the palate, the wine is bold with firm tannins and a ripe mid-palate framed by layers of texture. Harvest was twofold — it started and then paused due to a cold spell. The first wave of harvest brought bright and vibrant acidity. After the cold weather, the additional time developed a deeper character and the long textural finish with baking spice and forest floor. The bold tannins in this wine ask for aging in the cellar. If opening early, decant and pour with a meal, otherwise, allow time to rest in the cellar.
- Mark & Gary Pisoni, Vineyard Managers
- Jeff Pisoni, Winemaker
- Alcohol: 14.1%
- Cases Produced: 710
- Bottled Date: August 6, 2025
- Release Date: September 2026
2024 Wines Recognized by 
Many Hands, One Vision.
Jeb Dunnuck