Wine Reviews

Especially given the difficulties of the vintage, this blend of 46% Pinot Noir, 37% Chardonnay, and 27% Meunier is a triumph: at once majestic and incredibly soulful. Aromas of hazelnut praline, light-roasted coffee, truffle, and potpourri entrance as they enhance the golden apple and pear at the core of both nose and palate, where gorgeous, sweeping, lemony acidity hones an almost brown-buttery roundness amid hints of Brazil nut, jellied tangerine, and pink peppercorn. Chalky, yeasty, and zesty by turns, the finish is near-endless.

Aged 48 months in 100% new French oak, we admire Don Lorenzi’s majestic style and commitment to bringing Temecula Valley to the forefront. He admitted that this was a difficult vintage. “The grapes seemed to have a built-in tension made more emphatic by one of the hottest years on the estate.” Dark berries, espresso, soy sauce, and graphite are well integrated with gritty, grippy tannins.

Cinnamon-spiced apples and fresh corn are enveloped in a brisk wash of lemongrass and exotic yellow flowers. Acidity is taut and the toasty notes are focused.

A wispy perfume of cranberry hangs in the air, while white-peppered blackberry and a graphite sleekness attaches to the palate. Roasted coffee ads savory tones, its subtle earthy persona persistent.

Spiced mulberry and forest floor offer a path to a streamlined mouthfeel. Earth tones shine, amped by a searing acidity. Clove and wild strawberry are accentuated on a mineral platform.

Aromas of clove and pomegranate are impressive. This is a bright, shiny penny, with notes of iron, red tea, Italian herbs, and bright strawberry. Tension on the palate highlights its taut acidity, leaning to a dry, elegant finish.

Plum blossom and vanilla perfume radiates and leads to a stony accented entry. The liquid offers a serene, gentle mouthfeel, focused with bright cherry and cherry pith. Dried heather adds texture while readying the palate for a sleek finish.

Jeff and Mark Pisoni’s efforts here show well with this startlingly lovely Chardonnay. Gem-like mineral tones clean the palate, while lemons soaked in vanilla flavor it. Gardenia and a zip of ginger are precious notes on the finish.