Lucia 'Santa Lucia Highlands' Chardonnay, Pisoni 2016

Based in the Salinas Valley, south of California's Monterey Bay the Pisoni family have been farming in this area since 1952. However it was when the second generation of the family in the shape of the maverick figure of Gary Pisoni started growing grapes in the surrounding highland areas in 1982 that their vineyard business first got going. And it wasn't long before people started to take notice of what he was up to.

Over the following years Gary has built a reputation as one of the most skillful exponents in the art of Pinot Noir in California and along with his sons Mark, now vineyard manager, and Jeff, winemaker they run one of California's most respected and high quality wineries. In all they have around 40 acres of vines spread across 20 distinctive parcels. And while Pinot Noir remains an undimmed passion for them, they also grow some exceptional Syrah and Chardonnay. They have two main labels; Pisoni Estate and Lucia both of which are a byword for excellence in Californian winemaking.