2011 Luli, Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands.
Another stunning effort from Sarah Floyd and winemaker Jeff Pisoni on this new 2011 Luli Pinot Noir, which is sourced from selected sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands region near Monterey. This bright, ripe and tasty Pinot has all the right stuff and should drink well for 3 to 5 years, but is made to enjoy now, which I’m sure I will do myself after tasting it recently. The classic SLH dark fruits, good acidity and smooth oak influence make this young wine a really winner with hints of rose petals, strawberries and lots of cherry fruit to start opening up to a richer plum and zesty mountain berry layer while hints of mineral, tea spice and baking spices play in the background. A touch of earth, pepper and vanilla round out the layers and the crisp youthful finish has a burst of red cherry cola and red peach notes. This is a classy and fun Pinot that is always a steal for the quality, I recommend grabbing some as soon as you can, it should be available by August 1, 2012.
($24 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
