TN: Pisoni tasting at USQ Wines

WINE TALK
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PISONI TASTING AT USQ WINES - New York (5/5/2009)

This was a tasting event at Union Square Wines; Gary and Jeff Pisoni were both in attendance and very friendly and fun to talk to. Wines were not divided into flights strictly, but rather different tables at which they were being poured. Wines are listed in the order I tasted them - the syrah was part of table 1 but I left it for last.

  • 2007 Luli Chardonnay - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    green pear on nose; tart on palate too - a little sauv blanc-like.
  • 2008 Pisoni Pinot Noir Estate “Lucy” - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Ok, a bit bitter; not that into it.
  • 2006 Lucia Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Pretty strawberry on nose; on palate, a bit thin and shorter than expected considering the nice nose. A sweet note lingers on the finish. 88+ (88 pts.)
  • 2005 Lucia Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Similar to 06 SLH; slightly deeper strawberry on nose; slightly bitter on palate. (89 pts.)
  • 2006 Pisoni Pinot Noir Estate - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Pretty - sweeter fruit here than the Lucias - a little more candied on the nose. More depth on the palate, longer finish. (91 pts.)


  • 2005 Loring Wine Company Pinot Noir Garys’ Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Fuller, richer nose than the Pisoni wines, with lovely earth. On the palate, a bit thin and sour - flavor that I can only liken to the taste of children’s aspirin. I retasted this again at the end of the tasting to check my palate, with similar results (from the same bottle, is likely). A 92pt nose but 87 palate. (89 pts.)
  • 2003 Lorca Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    bit of band-aid on the nose; smooth on the palate, a bit creamy. a nice surprise, didn’t know of this producer previously; possibly best wine of the tasting. 91+ (91 pts.)
  • 2006 Capiaux Cellars Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Light and fresh and a bit floral on the nose; unctuous on the palate but too sweet for me - a bit saccharine. Nice if you like a full, ripe style, but not for me. 90+ nose, 88 palate. (89 pts.)
  • 2005 Patz & Hall Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Rich, ripe nose; smooth on palate with medicinal cherry note, savory notes of soy sauce, etc. and a bitter finish. (90 pts.)
  • 2005 Lucia Syrah Susan’s Hill - USA, California, Central Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands
    Nose a bit reticent; spicy black pepper and dark cherry fruit on the palate. (88 pts.)

Overall, the wines were a bit on the raisiny, baked side for me. Good wines, but I wanted to like them more than I actually did, especially for the price level, where I was hoping for a bit more depth. I do wonder if the winemakers have dialed back towards more acidity in subsequent vintages - a bit more freshness would be welcome to my palate too.
Posted from CellarTracker

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Thanks for the notes. I like some of these wines more than you as great examples of generous California fruit but they are divisive.


Todd and Eric…digging the ‘CT’ logo next tot he thread. [good.gif]

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Chris, which ones did you like? I’m trying to figure out where my CA pinot palate lies nowadays. Lately, I think I prefer things from farther north (Anderson Valley or Sonoma Coast) or further south (Santa Barbara) - been digging things like Copain and Navarro, and out of the Siduri lineup my favorite was actually the Clos Pepe bottling. And I’ve gotta find a way to get my hands on a bottle of Rhys or Radio Coteau to try!

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And McHenry.

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Keep trying Alan. There is no way to have a “California” palate especially in regards to Pinot Noir. Tons of vineyard, region and wine making differences make it impossible to sum up in one word. Santa Cruz Mountains for instance might be more your style if you don’t like those SLH wines but not every maker. Anderson Valley often gets thrown out for this reason also as a more ‘elegant’ style alternative but frankly I think most of the wines from up there have very little expression and are getting complimented mostly for style and not for quality. There are some excellent wines coming out of that area though(Copain!!!).

Bottom line, don’t define California Pinot on a couple makers from one AVA. Cali Pinot has a LOT of variety worth exploring for me but I’m an omnivore. [cheers.gif]

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Thanks for the input, everyone. Keep trying I will :slight_smile:

Rivers-Marie has been on my list for a while too, but I don’t think I’m on theirs yet :wink:

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Thanks for the notes and keep exploring California producers and regions. I personally do not like Pisoni, especially when price is considered. Seems like SCM and AV (my personal favorite) would be a good place to look. Rivers-Marie would be great too but those are very big pinots although a great balance.

Jason