Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Pisoni Family Vineyards & Winery

Before Kosta Browne or Seasmoke, there was Pisoni Family Vineyards that had the cult wine status. Like many other winemakers, Gary Pisoni can be described as a person that is passionate and walks around with almost a rockstar type attitude. Not to say that is a bad thing but let me explain. Like any other rockstar, they believe their music is original and is the best music out there. Do you actually think Vince Neil, Jon Bon Jovi, or even MC Hammer thought their music was mediocre or just ordinary? Gary is the same way. He truly believes his wine is the best wine out there and truly believes his wine is unique in its own way.

The Pisoni vineyard started off as a family farm. They grew lettuce, asparagus, celery and other produce you can buy at your local supermarket. One day as a youngster, Gary decided to try to plant grape vines on a slope on their farm. Today, the Pisoni Vineyard is over 40 acres and is operated by Gary, his two sons’ Jeff and Mark, and Gary’s parents’ Eddie and Jane Pisoni.

As I mentioned on my last blog, my wife and I was recently invited to our favorite wine store, Friends of the Vine in Redondo Beach to meet the Pisoni family and taste their recent release. Here are my notes below.

2007 Lucia Rose ($18.99) – This is a great wine that is not too over powering. Nice wine to drink on a hot day. I could see drinking this wine in a picnic with a cucumber salad, curry chicken salad, or with any hummus spread.

2007 Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay ($40.99) – Small production Chardonnay with only 300 cases produces. This wine offers a hint of oakiness with a delicate finish of nutmeg. Great easy drinking wine that is well balanced and can compliment any type of cheese, nuts, and white meats.

2007 Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ($40.99)– Great wine with a lot of characteristics. Nose of this wine is fruity and peppery. The nice hue of ruby color can make any meal photogenic. I really liked the fruit forwardness of this wine followed by a pinch of tannins at the end. This will be great with any gamey meats, cured meats, seafood, and a lighter red meat like a prime rib.

2007 Lucia Gary’s Vineyard Pinot Noir ($50.99)– This is a darker, bolder, and stronger pinot than the Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot. This wine almost has a syrah type boldness but has the elegance of a pinot. The finish offers several different layers of finish on your palate. I would almost say this wine is fun to drink because of the complexity.

2007 Lucia Gary’s Vineyard Syrah ($40.99) – If you are a fan of syrah this wine is for you. The nose of this wine is full of fruit, black licorice, and offers a hint of spicy tobacco. The legs of this wine is heavy and packs a punch to all of your senses in your mouth. To really appreciate this wine, I would recommend holding it in your mouth, draw in some air, swish and try to cover as much as your mouth as possible before slowly swallowing. The lingering effects of the alcohol and fruitiness of this wine is amazing. I say job well done Pisoni family on this one!

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