Winemaker Notes
Sumptuous, expressive, and undeniably pure, the 2021 Luli Pinot Noir is a refreshing and delicious expression of this world class California appellation. A vibrant and youthful medium ruby hue splashes into the glass, releasing notes of strawberry compote, fresh rhubarb, sandalwood, and baking spice. Becoming more expressive with each swirl in the glass, this wine awakens the palate with the first sip. Distinctly spicy at first, with subtle hints of sage and dried herbs giving way to generous and focused flavors of black cherry and raspberry crumble. The finish is no less remarkable, as soft, delicate tannin gives way to bright acidity suggesting this wine will only improve with time.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Cranberry and currant aromas are elevated with sagebrush in a charmingly rustic style on the nose of this bottling. There’s a firm tension to the sip. Flavors start on a toast note before growing more tart, with cranberry, raspberry and pomegranate showing most prominently.
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.