2001 Lucia Pinot Noir

Lucia is the second label of Pisoni Vineyards & Winery, which is renowned for the quality of its Pinot Noir. According to Mark Pisoni, whose family owns the vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands near Monterey Bay, Lucia is designed to have a lighter, more fruit-forward style than their estate Pisoni bottling. Think of it as a junior Pisoni.

Lithe and velvety, with the scent of ripe plums and the deep flavor of blueberries and blackberries, this is a stunning wine from one of California’s best areas for Pinot Noir.

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Quick swirl

Region: Monterey

Price: About $35

Style: Lithe and gorgeously fruity

Food it goes with: Roast chicken, veal chop, salmon

Where you find it: Liquid Party Works in Chatworth, (818) 998-3030; Topline Wine & Spirits in Glendale, (818) 500-9670; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454, (800) 76WINEX; the Wine Room in Irvine, (866) 585-WINE; WineSellar & Brasserie in San Diego, (858) 450-9557; Wine Street in Carlsbad, (760) 431-8455.

--S. Irene Virbila