Wines to try
A trip to the Santa Lucia Highlands is unlike one to most California wine regions. Many of the top properties operate tasting rooms in Monterey County’s more tourist-visited areas of Carmel and Carmel Valley. A select few of the most prestigious wineries don’t have traditional tasting experiences at all, but can be contacted for individual appointments. 2015 ROAR Rosella’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, $58: Of all Franscioni’s vineyard properties, Rosella’s consistently rewards with the most floral, aromatically intoxicating Pinot Noirs. The 2015 vintage is no different, a dizzyingly perfumed medley of sagebrush, dried rose petals, violet and white pepper. (831) 675-1681. www.roarwines.com. Tasting by appointment. 2014 Lucia Soberanes Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, $65: The Pisonis operate two labels — the one bearing their family name strictly for the original property, and Lucia for wines coming from Soberanes and Garys’ Vineyards. The Lucia 2014 Soberanes demonstrates the appellation in its most hedonistic form. Concentrated and gratifying, the wine flashes flavors of cola, forest floor and ash in a fashion both virile and nuanced. (800) 270-2525. www.pisonivineyards.com. Tasting by appointment.
2015 Morgan Double L Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir,
$64: Dan and Donna Lee planted their Double L Vineyard in 1996, the name referring to their “double luck” in the birth of twin daughters. The Double L Pinot Noir demonstrates how graceful the wines from this northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands can be. Tasting of hibiscus, potpourri and raspberry coulis, the wine celebrates these two decade-old vines in their sweet spot. 204 Crossroads Blvd., Carmel, (831) 626-3700. www.morganwinery.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily. Fee: $12 2014 Talbott “Logan” Sleepy Hollow Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, $27: Talbott’s entry-level Pinot Noir is one of the greatest values to come out of the region. Juicy and downright delicious, the wine smells of cherry blossoms, sweet candied sage and cayenne pepper. 25 Pilot Rd., Carmel Valley, (831) 659-3500. www.tal bottvineyards.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Fee: $15$20 2014 Testarossa Doctor’s Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, $66: Testarossa works with some of the most important vineyards for Pinot Noir not just in the Santa Lucia Highlands, but throughout California’s Central Coast. Perhaps their most intriguing Santa Lucia Highlands offering is their Doctor’s Vineyard Pinot. Never tethered by its ample body, the wine moves swiftly across the palate, dazzling with scents of anise, jasmine and black pepper. 1 E. Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel Valley, (831) 2987726. www.testarossa.com. Tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, until 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Fee: $10-$20