August 2006 Wine Tasting Notes: 2004 Pinot Noirs.
2004 Lucia Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands.
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This wine displays a deep ruby red color. Initially, the nose offers pepper and earthy notes, then opens up with blackberry, strawberry and cherry. Lots of berry flavors on entry evolve to a lush, fruity mid palate accented by ample pepper. Medium tannins bolster the mouthfeel without being astringent. The peppery spice persists on the finish, interlaced with cherry and strawberry flavors. A mild alcohol sizzle follows. |
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RWB Score: 93 breakdown 14.6% Alcohol $34 -$37 (various retailers); 830 cases produced |
This is a very fruity and notably spicy pinot noir with a medium body. Distinctly balanced and highly extracted, this is a wine of broad appeal. Pair with any food as it will not get overpowered. |
More Lucia reviews
Detail
This wine was aged 11 months in French oak, 50% new (produced by 3 different coopers selected by the Pisonis). After bottling, it was aged for six more months prior to release.
The Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir is a cuvée of various lots in the cellar. Those, in turn, were sourced from blocks in different vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA - mostly the Pisoni and Gary's Vineyards in equal parts. This wine is made entirely from the Pisoni Clone (planted in 1982) - a subject of lore and legend, a cutting reportedly smuggled in to the US by Gary Pisoni. Because it is a blend of fruit from different vineyards, the 2004 Lucia was intended to give an overall feel of the cool climate, mountainous Santa Lucia Highlands.
The Pisonis strive to apply Burgundian wine making techniques to create wines which express the character of their origins: the entire AVA or select vineyards. They only produce wines sourced exclusively from their own vineyards. The Pisonis pay close attention to their vines, practicing meticulous vineyard management in order to nurture the wine into expressing vineyard and regional characteristics. Their efforts have borne the fruit of the double honors of the Pisoni Vineyard being designated one of the world's "Top 10 Vineyards" as well as one of America's five "Grand Crus."
Today, Pisoni Vineyards consists of 45 acres of small vineyard blocks, each distinct in soil type and microclimate. Situated at an elevation of 1,300 feet, the vineyard enjoys the marine fog from nearby Monterey Bay. Besides Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, Pisoni Vineyards produces two Syrahs.
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5 points |
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Nose |
5 points |
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Palate |
5 points |
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Finish |
4 points |
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Tannins |
5 points |
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Acidity |
4 points |
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Alcohol |
4 points |
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Aging potential |
2 points |
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Overall quality |
9 points |
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