2022 Lucy by Pisoni Family, Gamay Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands.
The 2022 Gamay by the Pisoni’s Lucy label, which gives partial proceeds to local causes in a tasty give back to the community, is a bright and juicy pure light bodied red that is wonderful with a chill and Summer meals, it shows how good this grape is is getting in California and especially in the granite based soils of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Jeff Pisoni’s Lucy Gamay, coming off the sandy loamy soils at the Highland Vineyard, which his brother Mark consults with on the farming, has a full whole cluster pop on the palate with candied cherry, crushed red berry, purple plum and tangy cranberry fruits leading the way with loads of spice, florals, zesty herbs and crunchy mineral tones, making for a very nice Cru Beaujolais like experience, gaining dimension and viscosity with air, while always maintaining its seductive tension and crisp detailing. You can see Lapierre’s classic and ripe style of Morgon in the inspiration here and this effort impresses for the precision and quality on display in the glass with its deep magenta hue and lovely aromatics, this wine shows why Gamay is attracting a lot of attention.
The newest member of the Pisoni family Lucy lineup, is the 2022 Gamay Noir, which they say is an exciting representation of this lesser-known French variety found mainly in the Beaujolais region south of Burgundy. Along with the Gamay, the Pisoni’s have also added an Alsatian style white called Pico Blanco, named after a local Big Sur Mountain and made from 85% Pinot Gris and 15% Pinot Blanc, supporting the Big Sur Fire crews. Winemaker Jeff Pisoni, says that his Gamay, sporting a youthful and bright ruby hue, bursts from the glass with raspberry, Bing cherry, fresh violets, and unmistakable spice notes from the whole cluster fermentation. All of which is what I found here, along with his impression that this vintage is irresistibly approachable and keeps true to its old-world (Beaujolais) roots. Pisoni continues that with its soft and elegant structure, as well as spirited acidity, this Gamay Noir is undoubtedly a welcome addition his family of quality efforts, which again, I whole heatedly agree. This Lucy lineup of new releases is next level and delivers an outstanding value, if you’ve sat on the sidelines here, it’s time to check them out, like I said recently about the Rosé of Pinot Noir, this wine is a wildly fun wine!
($30 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive