Winemaker Notes
Soberanes Vineyard is a world-class site located in the Santa Lucia Mountains of Monterey County, California. The Pisoni and Franscioni families, who have deep roots in the area, planted the 38-acre vineyard in 2008 with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah. The site’s location in the Santa Lucia Highlands, combined with its unique terroir, make it one of the most sought-after locations for premium wine grapes in California.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Cherry, clove and sage aromas converge on the intense yet somehow still easygoing nose of this single-vineyard expression. The palate is layered in ripe cherry, strawberry and raspberry flavors that are elevated by pinches of mace and star anise.
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James Suckling
This wine gains a lot of power from its laser focus on bold black fruit flavors and a full body with elevated alcohol. Moderate tannins add to the big feel on the palate, with flavors of black cherries, dried blackberries, spearmint and star anise. Drink now or hold.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
Farmed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families, this site is one of the highest regarded Pinot Noir vineyards in the state. The 2023 Domaine Della Sobranes Vineyard delivers power and depth on the palate. This wine showcases aromas and flavors of bright berries, sweet oak, and dried earth. Enjoy it with duck breast with a cherry glaze. (Tasted: April 18, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
Thin-skinned, finicky and temperamental, Pinot Noir is also one of the most rewarding grapes to grow and remains a labor of love for some of the greatest vignerons in Burgundy. Fairly adaptable but highly reflective of the environment in which it is grown, Pinot Noir prefers a cool climate and requires low yields to achieve high quality. Outside of France, outstanding examples come from in Oregon, California and throughout specific locations in wine-producing world. Somm Secret—André Tchelistcheff, California’s most influential post-Prohibition winemaker decidedly stayed away from the grape, claiming “God made Cabernet. The Devil made Pinot Noir.”
Perhaps the most highly regarded appellation within Monterey County, Santa Lucia Highlands AVA benefits from a combination of warm morning sunshine and brisk afternoon breezes, allowing grapes to ripen slowly and fully. The result is concentrated, flavorful wines that retain their natural acidity. Wineries here do not shy away from innovation, and place a high priority on sustainable viticultural practices.
The climatic conditions here are perfectly suited to the production of ripe, rich Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. These Burgundian varieties dominate an overwhelming percentage of plantings, though growers have also found success with Syrah, Riesling and Pinot Gris.