Just got home as the full moon was rising over my quiet street after returning from the second annual gathering of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation's wine growers. Held at the Paraiso Vineyards (and featuring the finest pinot, chard and syrah artists around) I am so glad this is still an intimate setting where we can enjoy cutting edge winemaking and conversation.
As much as I try to pace myself, to hell with discipline. Go straight for the pinot from Pisoni and Roar. The two Garys (Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni) have carved out their claim to quality, Central Coast winemaking. Plus, Gary Pisoni's table is the most fun with red juice and laughter flowing all over. From the early tales of him snatching cuttings from the hallowed vineyards of Domaine de la Romanee Conti in Burgundy and creating his own clones, his plantings are the most sought after by Napa and Russian River brands to blend with their grapes. Roar was founded by Gary and Rosella Franscioni who also partner with Pisoni to create a block called Gary's Vineyards. Roar's syrah is outstanding.
The area's marine climate highlighted by strong coastal winds blowing off Monterey bay make for foggy mornings, breezy afternoons and a long, drawn out growing season. Soil ranges from decomposed granite/gravelly loam to sandy loam.
Other heavy hitters are Talbott, Tudor, Siduri, Testarossa and Lucienne. Talbott is one of the old timers creating Burgundian style. I particularly enjoyed Dan Tudor's pinot from Tudor Vineyards. The ringer was Lucienne, which is a seperate plum of Hahn Vineyards. Using grapes from their Doctor's and Lone Oak holdings, they are crafting complex pinots...find this one before its too late! Other wonderful wines are found with Belle Glos (from the renowned Wagner family of Caymus in Napa) and I enjoy the rich Martin Alfaro Winery from the Santa Cruz area who acquire grapes from the Sleepy Hollow block and Franscioni in SLH.
