2023 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

260114 2023 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

Luli

Pinot Noir 2023
Santa Lucia Highlands

2023 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

Luli’s 2023 Pinot Noir exceeds expectations, delivering remarkable pedigree at a price that feels almost improbable. It offers a level of clarity, balance, and authenticity that many costlier bottles struggle to match. This is not value born of compromise, but value earned through intention, precision, and an unwavering respect for place.

Set along the windswept slopes of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the wine draws its character from a cool, coastal climate shaped by fog-laced mornings, steady ocean breezes, and extended growing seasons. These conditions naturally favor freshness and structure, allowing the fruit to emerge with definition and lift. The result is a Pinot Noir that feels vibrant and composed, carrying depth with ease rather than weight.

That sense of composure is reinforced by a hands-on approach in both vineyard and cellar. Low yields, meticulous sorting, and native fermentations allow the fruit to speak clearly, while small-lot vinification preserves nuance and texture. By forgoing fining and filtration, the wine retains its natural energy, resulting in a Pinot Noir that is pure, expressive, and unmistakably authentic.

Luli
Pinot Noir 2023
Santa Lucia Highlands

Your Price: $29.99

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“Candied cherry and raspberry compote aromas are very fresh and accessible on the nose of this bottling, which also shows earthier hints of soil and bark. The palate is zippy with acidity that shines through the black cherry, star anise and turned loam flavors.”

94 Points

2023 Montagu Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2023 Montagu Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

Montagu

Pinot Noir 2023
Santa Lucia Highlands

2023 Montagu Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

Rooted in legend and tracing its lineage to Burgundy, Montagu’s 2023 Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir captures a spirit that transcends the ordinary. The wine is crafted entirely from the storied La Tâche clone, a rare cutting believed to have originated from Burgundy’s legendary Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. Rich and evocative, this Pinot Noir exudes the deep, nuanced character of its noble lineage.

At the helm of this extraordinary wine is the gifted winemaker Weston Eidson, whose intuitive craftsmanship and meticulous vineyard selection have earned him a rising star status. For this rare 100-case offering, Eidson sourced grapes from a vineyard adjacent to one of the Santa Lucia Highlands’ most illustrious sites.

On the palate, the 2023 Montagu unfolds gracefully. Its seamless texture unfurls luscious layers of ripe cherry, nuanced by intriguing spices and hints of delicate florals. Polished tannins carry each sip toward a lingering finish, exemplifying the elegance that defines the Santa Lucia Highlands.

Montagu
Pinot Noir 2023
Santa Lucia Highlands
Retails at: $75

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“The Montagu Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2023 unfurls an enchanting bouquet, where ripe, sweet strawberries intertwine with the refined perfume of English roses. A zesty lift of mandarin peel cuts through, complemented by a subtle hint of nutmeg. On the palate, this wine unleashes waves of concentrated red plum and blood orange, its flavors concentrated and vivid, saturating the senses with intensity. Each sip builds to a finish that stretches long and persistent, leaving an indelible mark of satisfaction. Outright delicious, it embodies the Santa Lucia Highlands’ finest traits—vibrant fruit, structural finesse, and captivating depth. This is a Pinot Noir of exceptional poise and power.”

94 Points

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

with No Comment $40-$50Central CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

Bruliam

Pinot Noir 2022
Soberanes Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

Bruliam’s Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir captures the essence of one of California’s most respected vineyards, showcasing remarkable varietal purity, impeccable balance, and a profound sense of place. Sourced from the renowned Soberanes Vineyard, the latest jewel in the crown of the Pisoni and Franscioni families, this wine offers an exceptional glimpse into the terroir-driven excellence of the Santa Lucia Highlands—at a price that belies its quality.

Bruliam Wines is led by Kerith Overstreet, a physician-turned-winemaker whose meticulous approach and scientific background infuse every bottle with precision and vibrant energy. Her strong relationships with top growers provide access to fruit from iconic sites like Soberanes. Here, fog-drenched mornings, well-drained granitic soils, and consistent coastal winds contribute to the Pinot Noir’s remarkable depth and complexity.

The 2022 Soberanes Pinot Noir impresses with captivating aromatics and a majestic balance of complexity and finesse. This wine, with its impressive 95-point score, surpasses expectations, demonstrating excellence in both viticulture and winemaking—a true achievement for Bruliam Wines.

Bruliam
Pinot Noir 2022
Soberanes Vineyard
Santa Lucia Highlands
Retails at: $70

Your Price: $49.99

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“Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the 2022 Soberanes Vineyard Pinot Noir gallops out with vibrant notes of redcurrant jelly, kirsch, and forest floor plus wafts of garrigue and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate is both elegant and intense, with loads of red berry and mineral layers and a fine-grained texture, finishing long and refreshing.”

95+ Points

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

Luli

Pinot Noir 2022
Santa Lucia Highlands

2022 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

At under $30, Luli’s Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir honors the idea that exceptional quality need not come with an exorbitant price tag. A collaboration between Master Sommelier Sara Floyd and the renowned Pisoni family, this wine is a harmonious blend of expertise and tradition.

Sara’s deep understanding of food and wine pairs seamlessly with Mark and Jeff Pisoni’s profound connection to the Santa Lucia Highlands. Together, they’ve crafted a wine that pays homage to the region’s coastal influence and its growing acclaim as a world-class Pinot Noir destination.

The 2022 Luli Pinot Noir is a celebration of the Highlands’ unique terroir. Sourced from sustainably farmed vineyards with low yields, the wine’s complexity is derived from a careful selection of Pinot Noir clones. Each cluster is hand-sorted and fermented with native yeasts in small lots, preserving the fruit’s natural character. By choosing to forego fining and filtering, the wine maintains its vibrant purity, resulting in a fresh, expressive, and undeniably handcrafted beverage.

This vintage is more than just a product of the land; it’s a tribute to a shared passion for crafting wines that exceed expectations.

Luli
Pinot Noir 2022
Santa Lucia Highlands

Your Price: $29.99

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“Dark pomegranate, raspberry and hibiscus aromas meet with tea leaf and dark sage on the dynamic nose of this appellation cuvée. The palate is lively with thyme, oregano and bay leaf flavors, set against a black raspberry core and atop a lingering texture.”

93 Points

2020 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2020 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MORGAN

TWELVE CLONES
PINOT NOIR 2020
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

2020 Morgan Twelve Clones Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
Dan and Donna Lee opened Morgan Winery in 1982, winning Gold and Platinum Medals at the Los Angeles County Fair, from Wine & Spirits Magazine in 1996, and from the San Francisco Chronicle in 2003. These awards helped to establish Morgan Winery as one of the Central Coast’s most recognized labels.
 
The winery’s flagship wine is the Twelve Clones Pinot Noir. This wine pays homage to the numerous clones of Pinot Noir that give it its layers of complex flavors and aromas. The fruit for the 2020 vintage comes from some of Santa Lucia Highlands’ best vineyards, including Morgan’s organically farmed Double L Vineyard, and was whole berry fermented, matured for nine months in French oak, and is a splendid example of the region’s best traits.
 
MORGAN
TWELVE CLONES
PINOT NOIR 2020
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at: $38
 
 
 
“Dark plum and purple-flower aromas show on the nose of this clonal combination. The bold palate is hearty and rich with flavors of black raspberry, blood-orange rind and crushed graphite, offering immense, impressive depth.”
94 Points
2021 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

2021 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

LULI

PINOT NOIR 2021
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

2021 Luli Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands
Luli represents a strategic partnership between three wine industry leaders, and their successful union illustrates the talents and strengths of their combined knowledge, skills, and experience. Master Sommelier Sara Floyd teamed up with vineyard manager Mark Pisoni and winemaker Jeff Pisoni in 2007 to create a new line of handcrafted wines from high-quality fruit at affordable prices.
 
The Pisoni brothers grew up farming in the Santa Lucia Highlands with their father, Gary, one of California’s most respected growers. They source fruit for Luli from vineyards in or near the same land they call home. The 2021 Luli Pinot Noir arose from sustainably farmed vineyards in the region that saw clear skies and moderate temperatures during the growing season, producing exceptional quality grapes and paying tribute to Pinot’s success in the area.
 
LULI
PINOT NOIR 2021
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“The Luli Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir 2021 begins with an intense nose of dark berries, cherry cola, dried mushrooms, and white flowers. These notes continue into a powerful, supple palate with a beautiful brightness to the rich, concentrated fruit. Always one of the best values in Pinot Noir each year, this vintage is classic for the region and another gorgeous bottling of this offering. As beautiful as it is now, it will certainly reward you with a couple of additional years of age if you can resist drinking them until then.”
92 Points
2018 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

220126 2018 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland

with No Comment $30-$40Central CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

BRULIAM

2018 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS

2018 Bruliam Pinot Noir Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highland
Medical doctor-turned-winemaker Kerith Overstreet is the genius behind Bruliam, and it’s her intricate attention to detail that brings her wines energy and life. Bruliam Wines is a boutique winery producing around 1000 cases annually of single-vineyard Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Chardonnay from some of California’s most celebrated vineyards.
 
Kerith’s relationships with many renowned growers secure her allocations of some of the highest quality fruit in California, hence her single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Soberanes Vineyard, the latest site developed by the Pisoni & Franscioni families. The character of Soberanes shines brilliantly in this wine with its captivating, majestic balance of complex aromas and flavors; the wine is a real over-achiever at this price.
 
BRULIAM
2018 PINOT NOIR
SOBERANES VINEYARD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at: $55
 
 
 
“Dark, bright-rimmed red. Spice-tinged red fruits, incense and floral qualities on the perfumed nose, along with a building mineral topnote. Juicy and energetic on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry, rose pastille and exotic spice flavors that show fine delineation and appealing sweetness. Deeply flavored but graceful as well, finishing on a gently tannic note, with strong, red-fruit- and spice-driven tenacity.”
93 Points
2019 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

2019 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

with No Comment $30 and underCentral CoastKevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

MORGAN

TWELVE CLONES
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
2019 PINOT NOIR 

2019 Morgan Twelve Clones Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir
Dan and Donna Lee founded Morgan winery in the early 1980s, focusing on sustainable farming and minimalist winemaking, becoming a leader in high-quality, value wines from California’s Central Coast. Dan produces wines that are true to the variety and vineyard location, displaying precision and balance between freshness and elegance that’s enjoyable immediately upon release.
 
The Twelve Clones Pinot Noir is the winery’s flagship wine named for the numerous clones that give this wine its wide range of complex flavors and aromas that send your senses on a wild and pleasure-filled ride. The fruit comes from some of Santa Lucia Highland’s best vineyards, including Morgan’s organically farmed Double L vineyard, which provides 67% of the grapes in this 94pt 2019 vintage.
 
MORGAN
TWELVE CLONES
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
2019 PINOT NOIR 
Retails at: $35
 
Your Price: $29.99
 
 
“Bright aromas of pomegranate, orange peel, pepper and sea salt show on the nose of this clonal combination. Zesty, energetic flavors of lemon and orange zest meet with a tart and snappy red-currant flavor on the palate, with oregano and cardamom adding complexity toward the finish.”
94 Points
 
“… Very nicely perfumed with scents of black cherry, strawberry, spice, and savory herbs. Light to mid-weight in style with a delicious core of giving strawberry, raspberry, and cherry flavors. Silky in the mouth, with appealing fitness, minimal tannins, and a compliment of barrel magic. Elegant and giving and ideal as a daily drinker.”
92 Points
2017 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles

2017 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles

with No Comment $50-$60Kevin VogtPaso RoblesProprietary RedSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

JUSTIN

2017 ISOSCELES 
PASO ROBLES 

2017 Justin Isosceles Paso Robles
Named for a trio of Bordeaux varieties; Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, Justin Isosceles is one of Paso Robles’ most distinguished wines, unwavering in delivering layers of lavish fruits, extract, and remarkable complexity. 
 
Justin planted their vineyards in the Santa Lucia Mountains, where abundant fossilized limestone and enormous diurnal temperature swings proved ideal for ripening Bordeaux varietals and producing powerfully expressive qualities. If you’re looking for a full-bodied red with deep, enthralling flavors and stunning complexity, this is it.
 
JUSTIN
2017 ISOSCELES 
PASO ROBLES
Retails at: $76
 
Your Price: $59.99
 
 
“Dark purple. Deep-pitched cassis, cherry-vanilla and pipe tobacco aromas are complemented by a building floral note and a hint of cracked pepper. Rich but energetic as well, showing solid thrust to the dark berry preserve, mocha and rose pastille flavors. Finishes on a smoky note, with strong tenacity, lingering floral oak spice character and steadily building tannins. All new French oak.”
93 Points
2019 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas

2019 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas

with No Comment $30-$40Kevin VogtMontereyPinot NoirSanta Lucia HighlandsUSA

BELLE GLOS

2019 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS

2019 Belle Glos Pinot Noir Las Alturas
Belle Glos Pinot Noirs have an extravagantly rich style that transcends varietal/category to the degree that even some Cabernet-drinkers enjoy them. Winemaker Joe Wagner discovered Las Alturas Vineyard, one of Santa Lucia Highlands’s highest-plantable sites, and chose it for its strong maritime influence and Gloria sandy loam soils. The 2019 offers “a whirlwind of exuberance,” as stated by Wine Enthusiast, and with a monumental 96 Point score, I wouldn’t hesitate to secure yours. 
 
Perched at 1,200 feet elevation, the 15-acre Las Alturas Vineyard is planted to various clones of Pinot Noir, separated by the land’s natural slopes and soil attributes. Joe’s team deliberately farms the site to encourage low yields, preserving fruit intensity, depth, and sense of place.
 
Joe created Belle Glos to showcase Pinot Noirs produced from noteworthy coastal wine-growing regions, personified in this Las Alturas bottling, which just shattered records with its 96 point score. 
 
BELLE GLOS
2019 PINOT NOIR
LAS ALTURAS
Retails at: $55
 
Your Price: $39.99
 
 
“Firm lines of graphite and loamy earth streak through the opulent aromas of black plum and dried violet on the nose of this brooding Pinot Noir. The palate is a whirlwind of exuberance, as leathery tannins wrap around more graphite minerality, dried violet and lavender, stewed plum and a touch of bittersweet cocoa on the finish.”
96 Points