Wines Santa Lucia Highlands Luli - Pinot Noir - 2022

Viniou Reviews

Luli Pinot Noir 2022, from the esteemed Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in California, stands out as a beautiful expression of the region's winemaking prowess. This wine is crafted exclusively from Pinot Noir grapes carefully sourced from select vineyard sites within this cool-climate appellation. The 2022 vintage benefited from favorable weather, allowing for a slow and even ripening period that preserved both aromatic freshness and varietal purity. In the glass, you’ll find a vibrant ruby-red color, with expressive aromas of ripe red cherry, wild strawberry, and hints of rose petal. On the palate, the wine is elegant and supple, offering soft tannins, balanced by bright acidity, and layers of red fruit, subtle earthiness, and a touch of spicy oak—thanks to judicious use of barrel aging.

Santa Lucia Highlands is widely recognized as one of California’s premier regions for Pinot Noir. Located along the cool, windswept terraces above the Salinas Valley, the AVA enjoys a combination of morning fog, afternoon breezes, and significant diurnal temperature shifts, all of which favor the slow maturation of grapes and preservation of acidity. The soils here are predominately sandy loam with good drainage. This unique terroir, combined with the region’s coastal influence, contributes to the freshness, complexity, and age-worthy structure found in the area’s finest Pinot Noirs. With a viticultural history stretching back several decades, Santa Lucia Highlands has built a reputation for boutique producers and small-lot craftsmanship.

When it comes to pairing Luli Pinot Noir 2022, its finesse and bright red fruit notes make it an incredibly versatile companion at the table. It will shine alongside classic duck breast with cherry sauce, grilled salmon, or a mushroom risotto. For a regional touch, consider serving it with California-style roast chicken with herbs or a salad featuring local baby greens and goat cheese, which will harmonize with the wine’s acidity and subtle earthiness.

For optimal enjoyment, serve Luli Pinot Noir 2022 slightly chilled, at a temperature between 14-16°C. This will highlight its delicate aromatics and vibrant palate, making for a memorable wine experience whether enjoyed now or within the next few years.