VOLUME 12, ISSUE 34
December 30, 2022
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE:
A Commonplace Bucket of Pinot Noir: Quotes, Ephemera, and Thoughts The Prince Retires (this time for good)

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Vineyard: Soberanes

OwnersFranscioni Family, Pisoni Family
AppellationSanta Lucia Highlands
StoryThis vineyard was planted in 2006 on a former cow pasture by Pisoni and Franscioni families in the Santa Lucia Highlands. The name, "Sobranes," pays tribute to the historical legacy of the land and the importance of the Soberanes family in the history of Monterey County. In the late 1700s, Jose Maria Soberanes marched from Mexico to Monterey Bay with the famed Portold expedition. He camped on a barren brown plain at the foot of the Sierra de Santa Lucia. The explores called this place El Campo Real del Chocolate or Chocolate Camp. The 16-year-old never dreamed that he would have a son who would acquire this land as repayment for 40 horses, 50 head of cattle, 4 oxen and some sheep. Or that a vineyard planted there centuries later would bear his name.
Dates Planted2008
Acres40
LocationIn the heart of the Santa Lucia Highlands, 9 miles north of Pisoni Vineyards and a stone's throw from Garys' Vineyard.
AspectRows are planted north-south giving a different exposure than Garys' Vineyard to winds that roar through the Salinas Valley and also a different exposure to the sun. 400 feet elevation, blanketed by fog every morning. 20 or so live oaks on the property.
SoilsGranite-laden (pura piedras or "all rock").
VarietiesChardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah
Clones667, Pisoni
Trellis SpacingClose spacing
ManagersGary Franscioni, Mark Pisoni

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., 175 cases. Unreleased. Aged in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Aromas of dark red fruits and underbrush. Very silky on the palate, with vivacious mid weight flavors of cherry and raspberry. There is no sense of oak in this wine. Approachable now with commendable balance. Score: 92-93. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.59, 268 cases, $45. Pisoni “clone.” Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 66% new. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of roasted coffee beans and toast with no fruit input. Mid weight plus in style, with flavors of toast, char and espresso obscuring the underlying black fruits. A brutish wine that finishes slightly hot and bitter. When tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the oak had released its dominance somewhat but the finish was still bitter. Score: 88. Reviewed August 24, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.44, TA 0.61, 241 cases, $56. Vineyard is owned and farmed by the Pisoni and Franscioni families. Pisoni “clone.” Harvest Brix 24.2º. 100% de-stemmed, aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 30% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. The nose offers competition between aromas of maraschino cherry, rose and dried herbs and oak-driven ash and vanilla. Light to mid weight in style, offering earth-toned fruit flavors of black cherry and boysenberry. A pretty wine with a polished mouthfeel, a dash of toasty oak, and some length on the sweet boysenberry finish. Score: 90. Reviewed February 23, 2019 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 375 ml format tasted, around $45. A blend of grapes from Pisoni and Soberanes vineyards. A combination of eight low-yielding Chardonnay clones, mostly Old Wente selections. Native yeast fermentation, some modest whole cluster, and aged in carefully selected French oak barrels. Aged 10 months in about one-third new French oak. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Leading off are aromas of yellow applesauce, pear, lemon oil and buttered toast. Highly engaging, with delicious flavors of apple, pear, pineapple and lemon and a soft touch of oak. Bursting with flavor, yet crisp and lively. Score: 90. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Lucia Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 375 ml format tasted, around $45. A blend of grapes from Pisoni, Garys’ and Soberanes vineyards. Native yeast fermentation and aging 10 months in French oak barrels, about 50% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very inviting aromas of cherry, red berry, exotic spice and warm brioche. Succulent flavors of red and purple berries with a welcome touch of oak in the background. Elegant in demeanor, yet highly flavorful, with good drive in the mouth, juicy acidity and a finish that lingers appealingly. An impressive appellation wine that is very easy to like at this young age. Score: 90. Reviewed January 16, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.64, 148 cases, $52. Pisoni selection. Harvest Brix 23.8º. 100% de-stemmed, 4 to 5-day cold soak, fermented in stainless. Aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Extremely shy nose offering subtle aromas of cherry, sandalwood and oak vanillin. On the palate, the wine offers good depth and length of red and black cherry and black raspberry fruit flavors. The sleek texture is appealing due to milky tannins. The finish is modest but satisfying. Unchanged when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. A delicate interpretation of this vineyard. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Ten Acre Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.64, 100 cases, $65. Winermaker Michael Zardo first made a Soberanes vineyard-designate Pinot Noir while working as an assistant winemaker at Pisoni Vineyards. The vineyard is ideally located with exposure to Salinas Valley fog and wind, Soils are well-draining sandy loam and rocky decomposed granite. Pisoni clone planted in 2009. Yield 1.5 tons per acre. Aged 11 months in Taransaud French oak barrels, 25% new. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Leading off are aromas of black cherry, underbrush and oak char. Intensely flavored and succulent, in a mid weight plus style featuring flavors of black cherry and blueberry-pomegranate. A silky texture is seductive, the tannins are well matched and the toothsome fruit drives the finish. Tobacco oak plies the background and there is the slightest hint of alcohol on the finish. Score: 91. Reviewed June 29, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 280 cases, $40. Released April 1, 2016. · Moderate golden straw color in the glass. The nose offers appealing aromas of salted apple, lemon, grapefruit and wet path. Sleek and refined on the palate, with grilled lemon, apple and slight caramel flavors, finishing with an infusion of acidity that elevates the experience. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.3% alc., pH 3.40, TA 0.60, 212 cases, $48. Wente clone. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Rather subdued but pleasant aromas of lemon-lime, chalk dust and crushed rock. Not as boisterous as the Gap’s Crown and more imbued with salty green apple notes to accompany the flavors of lemon, white peach and caramel. Very smooth on the palate and slightly creamy on the finish. Score: 92. Reviewed March 12, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Black Kite Cellars Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 572 cases, $50. Pisoni selection. Aged 10 months in French oak barrels, 50% new. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Blackest cherry, ripe strawberry and toasty oak drive the aromas and flavors in this mid weight styled wine. Plenty of oak plies the nose, even the following day when tasted from a previously opened and recorked bottle. The dreamy texture captivates, the tannins are soft, and the finish aims to please. Score: 90. Reviewed December 13, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.61, TA 0.64, 144 cases, $50, screwcap. Release November 16, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Glorious fruit is on display in this wine with aromas of blackberry and blackest cherry replicated on the palate. Flavors of spice and dark chocolate chime in. Smoothly textured, with lacy tannins and a charge of fruit on the juicy finish that leaves a hint of warmth in its wake. Score: 91. Reviewed October 30, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 381 cases, $55. Release September 1, 2016. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Fruit-driven aromas of red and black cherry are blended with oak-driven scents of toast and cigar smoke. The black cherry fruit is dusted with flavors of toasty oak, black tea and dark chocolate. Earthbound, with filigree tannins and a modest finish. Score: 89. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 2,764 cases, $32, screwcap. 30% of blend from Pisoni Vineyard, the oldest vines that Siduri sources in the region. Also Rosella's, Soberanes, Sierra Mar and Garys' vineyards. 63% of wine comes from vines that are at least 14 years old. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe scented nose with aromas of blackberry, spice and conifer. Silky and juicy on the palate with alluring flavors of boysenberry, blackberry and black currant with a substantial, but not imposing tannic backbone. The lengthy finish is especially noteworthy for an appellation blend wine. Score: 90. Reviewed December 10, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.7% alc., 302 cases, $40. Bottled August 2014. Vineyard located just south of Garys’ Vineyard that is owned and farmed by Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni. Whole cluster pressed, fermented with a variety of specially selected yeasts. 100% malolactic fermentation, lees stirring every two weeks until shortly before blending and bottling. Aged in 40% new French oak barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose offers oak-driven aromas of roasted nuts, incense, and toast, with a bit of flint. A robust wine offering upfront sappy flavors of grilled citrus, baked apple, poached pear and lemon butter, flanked by significant oak notes of caramel, toffee and toast. This wine will appeal to those who like a notable mantle of oak in Chardonnay. Score: 88. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.35, TA 0.74, 195 cases, $45. · Light golden yellow color and clear in the glass. A delightful, oak-infused, bold, full malolactic style of Chardonnay that offers an array of aromas including yellow apple, pear, lemon oil, spice, and toasty oak, and heady flavors of lemon, pineapple, apple, and toasty brioche. Slightly creamy, with discreet richness, finishing dry with oak-kissed, lemon drop goodness. Score: 92. Reviewed April 5, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 318 cases, $50, screwcap. · Medium reddish purple color in the glass. Very savory on the nose with scents of underbrush, dried herbs, musk and black fruits. Long and lush, with oak-kissed flavors of black cherry and black raspberry, framed by defined tannins. Aggressive on the attack, with a broad presence on the palate, and good finishing length. Score: 90. Reviewed June 14, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 451 cases, $55. Bottled August 2014. “Pisoni clone” and Dijon 667. 100% de-stemmed, aged in 100% French oak barrels, 40% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very shy nose, offering only a hint of dark fruits and plenty of oak. Better on the palate, with a mid weight core of perfectly ripened purple berry and plum fruits. This wine has much better vibrancy due to a vein of citrus-driven acidity in the background. Less fruit sap and footprint than the Sierra Mar bottling, but less sweetness, more vivid fruit, and a more pleasing black cherry driven finish. Score: 90. Reviewed September 18, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Black Kite Cellars Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., pH 3.60, TA 0.58, 423 cases, $55. Pisoni clone. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Very engaging nose offering hi-tone aromas of cherries, red berries and latte. Succulent on the palate, with flavors of pie cherry, red berries and cola dancing in harmony with a deft touch of oak. Impressive harmony and a consuming finish that seems to last and last. Score: 92. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Santa Lucia Highlands Saignée de Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 569 cases, $24. Made from fresh pressed Pinot Noir grapes. As the grapes are crushed, a small percentage of the juice is blend off before it has a chance to absorb much color from the grape skins. The barely colored juice is then cold fermented in stainless steel in the winery’s coolest cellar to dryness. A blend from multiple Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards including Pisoni, Rosella’s, Sierra Mar, Soberanes, Tondré Grapefield, Fairview, Highlands and Paraiso. · Magnetic pinkish red color and clear in the glass. Lovely nose perfumed with strawberries, red cherries, mangoes, redwood and allspice. The wine is fresh, crisp and bright on the palate with flavors of strawberry, red cherry and cotton candy with a hint of citrus. Drink this wine slightly chilled with sushi for a big smile. Score: 88. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 225 cases, $40. · Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon curd, yellow apple, toasted coconut and nutty oak. Robust flavors of lemon, peach, poached pear and toasty oak. A rich, California-styled Chardonnay with mature fruit flavors and plenty of oak flourish. Very silky and ephemeral mouth feel. Score: 90. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.45, TA 0.52, 213 cases, $46. Pisoni selection. Harvest Brix 24.1º. 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed when dry. Aged 11 months sur lees in 40% new French oak. · Moderately light reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with fresh aromas of cherry, cardamom spice and cocoa. A polished wine with impeccable balance, featuring a burst of spicy black cherry flavor on the mid palate. Forward drinking with juicy acidity, a silky texture and some notable finishing power. This wine brings out the best in Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir. Score: 92. Reviewed October 6, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 235 cases, $48. Release June 2014. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Exuberant nose with vibrant aromas of dark red cherries and berries, rose petals and wet earth. Highly flavorful featuring black raspberry, cassis and plum with an oak sheen. Velvety soft and silky in the mouth with balanced, suede tannins. The wine finishes with ornate fruit and a slight bit of heat. Needs more time to integrate the oak. Score: 90. Reviewed April 19, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Bernardus Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 451 cases, $55. 667 and Pisoni clone. Aged in 100% French oak barrels of which 40% were new. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and oak are presented in a mid weight plus wine that is fruity but not complex. Nothing really stands out at this time and seems to need more time in bottle. A bit of alcoholic heat peaks out on the finish. Score: 88-89. Reviewed February 8, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 August West Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., ph 3.62, TA 0.66, 406 cases, $32. From Rosella’s, Sierra Mar and Soberanes vineyards. Aged 10 months in 12% new, 59% 1- year-old and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of purple grapes and plums with a hint of spice and brioche. Full-bodied flavors of plum and boysenberry with a hint of spice and smoky oak in the background. Juicy and vibrant with firm tannins. A solid appellation wine. Good (+). Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Anaba Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.65, 142 cases, $48. Pisoni clone. Harvest Brix 25.1º. Destemmed with 12% whole cluster, 4 to 6-day cold soak, native fermentation, basket pressed, aged 11 months sur lie in 37% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very ripe fruited with hi-tone aromas of dark strawberries, muddled black cherries, raspberry jam and spice. Delicious flavors echo the nose with an appealing earthy underpinning. Impressive fruit presence with a balancing firm tannic backbone. The finish is striking and returns in waves for encores. Score: 92. Reviewed February 22, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Siduri Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

235 cases, $48. Adjacent Garys’ Vineyard but rows are oriented differently so the winds pass through the vineyard more evenly and because it is more fertile, the vines are planted closer together. Fourth leaf. Pisoni selection, and 667. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Aromas of dark currants, ripe plum and brandied raisins. Delicious and harmonious, with gorgeous flavors of black plum and blackberries with a note of spice and citrus in the background. The fruit really sparkles in this wine and lasts and lasts on the finish that offers a teasing hint of spice and mocha. Spectacular the following day from a previously opened and closed bottle showing an Elvis on velvet mouth feel. A complete wine that is very refined and sophisticated and clearly the jewel of this vintage for Siduri. Reviewed March 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Bernardus Soberanes Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 312 cases, $55. Vineyard farmed by Gary Pisoni and Gary Franscioni and located adjacent Garys’ Vineyard. Pisoni “clone” and Dijon 667. Aged 10 months in 40% new French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. I really liked the nose on this beauty featuring bright aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, cassis, brewed tea and oak. The delicious fruit including dark cherries and blackberries really jumps out. Nicely composed with integrated tannins, and a lengthy, intensely fruity finish. This wine has broad shoulders but is refined. Score: 94. Reviewed March 29, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Black Kite Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.70, TA 0.55, 273 cases, $55. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Muted aromas of black fruits, cooked beets, and floral perfume. Extravagantly rich with intense flavors of black raspberry, blackberry and black plum. A little earthy and beefy in character. Silky on the palate with balanced dry tannins and modest length on the dry finish. Solid, but not exciting now, and should benefit from further time in bottle. Score: 88. Reviewed December 18, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Black Kite Cellars Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.50, TA 0.60, 149 cases, $55. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Alluring aromas of dark cherries and dark berry jam with a hint of mesquite. A delight to drink with middleweight flavors of black cherries in harmony with supple tannins and complimentary acidity. The soft mouth feel is captivating. This wine lacks the vibrancy of the Black Kite Anderson Valley bottlings but is very typical of the Santa Lucia Highlands and is quite charming in its own right. Very good. Reviewed February 4, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

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