Winemaker Paul Clifton crafts the Lucienne wines utilizing his passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay cool climate viticulture. The two wines—a Santa Lucia Highlands appellation and Lone Oak single vineyard designation—are produced in small quantities with the first vintage coming from 2005.
The Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir offers color that is bright cherry, with clarity and purity in the glass. The aromas are intensely aromatic, expressive in character with notes vibrant red cherry and earthy mushrooms, followed by hints of Mediterranean herbs and black pepper. The complexity continues on the palate with flavors of a fresh, pleasant, sweet earthiness, fresh picked cherries, hints of vanilla and toasty oak, a slight tartness, and precise acidity to an off dry long finish. The Lucienne Lone Oak Pinot Noir elevated my appreciation of Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir to a whole new level. The unique character and single vineyard expression of this beautifully crafted Pinot Noir came through clearly in this wine.
By Perry Miroballi