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The 2023 Chardonnay Escolle Vineyard is incredible. There is so much structure and gracefulness to the wine, fresh and crisp yet rich in medium-bodied tropical creaminess and fleshy texture. The Hyde clone leads the way, mixed with other clones, the wine pressed in the producer’s Coquard Champagne press before fermentation in stainless steel, then aged on a small amount of the lees in half-new French oak puncheon for four months or so. This is a next-level white, half honeycomb and peanut brittle, half Mandarin orange. Drink now through 2035.

Bid on this 6-bottle lot of 2003 Siduri "Garys' Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (90CG). Connoisseurs Guide: " *One Star* Another very ripe Pinot from Siduri, this one certainly favors its concentrated side, but also shows enough pure varietal fruit to live up to the name. It is deep, cherryish and tinged with notes of cocoa and caramel in the nose, and its fleshy mouthfeel joins with suggestions of velvet and convincing fruit to overcome any tendency to latter palate heat." (02/2006)

A lighter hue in the glass, this bottling from a top-shelf site in the appellation offers current, pomegranate, violet and lavender aromas on the floral-leaning nose. The palate is richer, with deep black chery, boysenberry and violet flavors, but it's still bright, very layered and finishes on a spicy kick.

The 2023 Pinot Noir Pisoni Estate comes from some of Pisoni Vineyard's oldest vines, located at 1400 feet of elevation and planted on granite-based soils. Medium ruby-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to unlock evocative scents of ripe raspberries, kirsch, and mulberries, followed by hints of anise, wild thyme, and underbrush, plus a touch of iris bulbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black and red berry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Gorgeous!

Another fantastic partnership between winemaker and site, the 2023 Chardonnay Escolle Vineyard exudes the coolness of the place and year, tasting of wet stone and tense acidity. Barrel-fermented in puncheon just under a year, with another six months in stainless, it’s delightfully floral, structured, and graceful, ready to go another 10-12 years in bottle. Ian Brand is a deservedly popular producer of wines from across the Monterey region, working with forgotten varieties and forgotten vineyards in many cases. He captures both sense of place and freshness to make original and highly exciting wines. (VB)

Ripe, seductive nectarines and peaches join acacia and lime blossoms with a core of riesling acidity and the subtle flavor of young coconut. Vivid, phenolic and tactile. Drink or hold.

Bid on this 7-bottle tasting lot; including 2-bottles of 2010 Siduri "Sierra Mar" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (92VN, 92WS), 1-bottle of 2010 Siduri "Sonatera Vineyard" Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, 1-bottle of 2010 Siduri Russian River Pinot Noir (91WS, 90RP), and 3-bottles of 2010 Siduri Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir ((90-92RP)). Of the 2010 Siduri "Sierra Mar" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Vinous writes: "Readers will find a wonderfully complete wine in 2010 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar. It is beautifully layered from start to finish, with gorgeous depth in its black fruit, leather, mint, licorice and spices. The Sierra Mar is one of the richer, weightier wines in the Siduri lineup. I am very impressed with the quality of the 2010, just the second crop off this newly developed site in the southern part of the appellation. (AG)" (08/2012)

Bid on this 2-bottle lot of 2019 Kosta Browne "Garys' Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (97WE, 94RP, 92W&S). Wine Enthusiast: "Right in line with this brand's rich yet balanced style, as expressed in a great vintage, this bottling begins with aromas of black cherry, loamy earth and root-beer float with a mint leaf. The wine lands with a hefty power on the palate, layered in penetrating acidity and edgy tannins, as flavors of roasted black plum, sagebrush and toasted herb sail into a long finish. (MK)" (10/2022)

Bid on this 3-bottle lot of 2017 Kosta Browne "Garys' Vineyard" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (95WE, 94JD, 93JS, 93RP, 92WS). Wine Enthusiast: "Roasted cherry and tart cranberry aromas are dusted with caramel and vanilla bean on the nose of this excellent bottling, which balances ripeness with precision. There's a fruit-punch kick to the tip of the sip, where dark strawberry, baking-spice, slate and earth flavors converge, wrapped in a texture that grows more firm toward the finish. (MK)" (05/2020)

This 2025 Pinot Gris comes from California’s Santa Lucia Highlands, an appellation set along the eastern slopes of the Santa Lucia Range in Monterey County. Skin fermentation keeps the juice of this white grape in contact with its skins during production, placing Union Sacré’s bottling in the orange-wine tradition.

As much as fans crave this appellation's single-vineyard expressions, the regional cuvees are often better than the sum of their parts. This bottling falls right in line, starting with buoyant aromas of rose potpourri, intense strawberry and baking spice on the nose. The palate pairs poached berry and stewed cherry flavors with acid-driven blood orange peel and herbal pine needle touches. *Editors' Choice*

2024 was a warmer vintage, with most of the harvest in September. This SLH wine is a combination of at least six vineyards, with Tondré Grapefield as the backbone. It's crisp and juicy, and very fresh. Savoury herbals and pops of red fruits show this cooler vintage well. Chicory root and sassafras character shine through with saline. This wine is fully destemmed, but there's a definite lift to the juicy fruits. (CP)

From own-rooted vines planted in 1999, the 2024 Chardonnay is highly textural, coming from the higher reaches of a historic site in deep granite soils, a blend of two distinct blocks. Made with native fermentation without racking, fining, or filtration and aged in 40% new oak over 17 months, it’s a generous, medium-bodied phenolic white that speaks to a purity of orchard fruit, gravelly stone, and wildflowers, integrated in oak and acidity. This beautiful, layered wine will age over many years. Hold and drink 2028-2038.

100% whole cluster: this captivating Gamay comes from the upper slopes of Escolle, on the rockiest soils with flecks of granite. A Gamay that shows intrigue and intensity, with the elegant, fresh blue fruit lurking in the background: white pepper, crushed stone, and upright, juicy, red berries. Refinement meets a sort of sauvage rusticity. Shows incredible potential for the variety here in the SLH.

All destemmed and sourced from multiple vineyards, the 2023 Pinot Noir Santa Lucia Highlands reveals a solid perfume of red and black fruits, leafy herbs, loamy earth, and sweet spices. Medium-bodied and nicely balanced, it offers ripe tannins, an expansive, elegant mouthfeel, and outstanding length. While it may lack the singular character of the single vineyard releases, it leans more on pure fruit and will drink beautifully over the coming 7-8 years.

Bright and cheery fruit and rose petal aromas meet a great blend of spices, woodsy notes and generous red and black fruit in this full-bodied, estate-grown wine. Combines cranberries and red cherries with darker fruit, great acidity and a freshness through the finish. Screw cap. Drink or hold. (JG)

From own-rooted vines planted in 1999, the 2024 Chardonnay is highly textural, coming from the higher reaches of a historic site in deep granite soils, a blend of two distinct blocks. Made with native fermentation without racking, fining, or filtration and aged in 40% new oak over 17 months, it’s a generous, medium-bodied phenolic white that speaks to a purity of orchard fruit, gravelly stone, and wildflowers, integrated in oak and acidity. This beautiful, layered wine will age over many years. Hold and drink 2028-2038.

Gorgeous aromas of Amarena cherries and star anise are effusive and so complex before a palate whose density and core of energy are harmonious and full. Flavors of crushed rocks, black raspberries, pomengranate syrup, espresso and orange oil. Velvety in the generous finish. Drink or hold.

An unbelievable wine at the $20-24, Luli Chardonnay -A project with a sommelier, Sara Floyd MW, this comes from about three or four, selective sites, with trusted farming, including some old 1970s Wente Clone Chardonnay. It shows gorgeous cool climate Chardonnay aromatics, nectarine flesh, spiced pear and creamy lemon on the palate, juicy fruits combine with savoury lemon verbena and wisps of sea salt. (CP)

The Santa Lucia Highlands AVA traces the east-facing slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains in Monterey County, where cool winds from Monterey Bay shape the growing season. Luli’s 2024 Syrah carries this distinctive California appellation, linking the Rhône variety to one of the Central Coast’s best-known hillside wine regions.

Fresh red fruit, lead pencil, dried flowers and spices. The midweight palate offers fine-boned tannins, bright acidity and a taut, refined finish. Drink or hold. (RM)

Cool-toned and lithe, the 2022 Chardonnay Fogstone Vineyard fills the mouth with minerality and tart lemony acidity. Sweet corn, peach and yellow apple lift from the glass, followed up with a lick of creamy vanilla and salty river rock tones. A little bitterness on the finish lends intrigue. This rocky site sits at the northern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands, where the fog rolls in early and leaves late (hence the name), leading to long hang-time and gentle ripening.

Tatomer was founded by winemaker Graham Tatomer with a focus on Riesling and other Germanic varieties grown along California’s Central Coast. The 2023 “Steinhugel” comes from the Santa Lucia Highlands, an appellation set along the east-facing slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains above the Salinas Valley.

This estate-grown wine offers luscious, concentrated fruit flavors on a full body laced with bright citrus acidity for good balance. Aromas of golden apples, pineapple slices and creme brulee lead to a rich texture, luxurious fruit flavors and pastry nuances. Drink now. Screw cap. (JG)

Beautiful aromatics of red and black berry fruits, sappy flowers, sassafras, and baking spices emerge from the 2023 Pinot Noir Sierra Mar Vineyard. Round and layered on the palate, this medium-bodied effort shows outstanding balance, sweet, velvety tannins, and impressive length. A very complete, complex, and satisfying wine from the Sierra Mar Vineyard, it should shine for a solid decade.

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2002 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (92ST, 91RP) and 1-bottle of 2003 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (93RP, 93ST, 93WS). Of the 2003 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Wine Advocate writes: "The dark ruby/purple-colored 2003 Pinot Noir Le Moulin Rouge offers a gorgeous perfume of forest floor, creme de cassis, blackberries, and plums. Full-bodied with lovely purity, good underlying acidity, and a distinctive floral/forest floor character reminiscent of some Domaine de la Romanee-Conti grand crus, it will drink well for 7-8 years." (12/2005)

Bid on this 2-bottle tasting lot; including 1-bottle of 2005 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (92ST, 91RP) and 1-bottle of 2006 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir (93ST, 93WS). Of the 2006 Peter Michael "Le Moulin Rouge" Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, Wine Spectator writes: "Smooth and harmonious, offering supple plum, black cherry and wild berry, with hints of cola, sassafras and spice. Turns elegant and delicate, ending with a long, soothing finish. (JL)" (12/2008)

First planted in 1972, Sleepy Hollow Vineyard is a landmark of Monterey County’s Santa Lucia Highlands and the source of this 2024 Talbott Pinot Noir. The appellation stretches along the eastern slopes of the Santa Lucia Mountains, where cooling winds and fog from Monterey Bay help shape the vineyard growing season.

A lively, spicy, vivid red that bursts from the glass with cinnamon, clove and spiced cherry aromas on a full body. Good, vibrant acidity and moderate tannins give a lift to the palate. Sour cherry, plump raspberry, forest floor and savory bay laurel flavors give plenty to enjoy. Drink now or hold.

The Estate Pinot Lucia by Pisoni is a blend of fruit from the 15.8-hectare Pisoni Estate, nestled against the Santa Lucia mountain range, and Soberanes Vineyard, a 15.4-hectare, seaward-facing alluvial terrace that slopes five degrees toward the valley floor. The wine is fermented with native yeasts (18% whole cluster) in 40% new French oak and aged for up to 11 months. It’s a bold, juicy red, with dark, concentrated cherry fruit and sandalwood that shows real staying power on the mid-palate. Notes of dark mahogany wood, a touch of cocoa powder, and apple-skin tannins build toward an intense, dark-fruited finish, carried by blood orange and red plum and crafted by winemaker Jeff Pisoni. (JC)

Generous aromas of lemon confit, yellow apples, poached pear tarte tatin and baking spices. The palate is textural and creamy, with a medium body cut through with bright acidity, giving notes of candied orange zest, pineapple, flint and pastry. Well balanced and fresh. Drink or hold.

Snappy and crisp aromas of black raspberry and acai pick up enegerized white pepper spices on the nose of this appellation blend. The vivid palate is rich with cassis, lilac and lavender flavors, leading into a peppery finish. This will be fun to track in the shorter term, so drink now-2033.

Sleepy Hollow Vineyard was first planted in 1972 and became part of Talbott’s estate in 1994. This 2021 Pinot Noir connects that historic vineyard with the Santa Lucia Highlands, a Monterey County appellation shaped by its proximity to the cool waters of Monterey Bay.

The 2022 Pinot Noir Pisoni Vineyard famously comes from a high-elevation place with thin soils, the conditions contributing to its signature power and intensity. This vintage is particularly brooding, offering developed layers of blackberry, strawberry compote, and cardamom. Sage and chaparral provide an earthy, herbal edge to the otherwise rich, rewarding wine, which wears its medium-bodied weight and structure well. Enjoy over the next decade or more. (VB)

A stunning bottling from the Franscioni family, this shows exotic cinnamon, crystallized black-cherry juice, fresh black raspberry and graphite on the extremely elegant, soft and inviting nose. There's a tension between ripe black raspberry and everything else on the palate, from fennel and black pepper to black slate minerality. It's a seamless wine. (MK)

The 2023 Pinot Noir Pisoni Estate comes from some of Pisoni Vineyard's oldest vines, located at 1400 feet of elevation and planted on granite-based soils. Medium ruby-purple colored, it needs a little swirling to unlock evocative scents of ripe raspberries, kirsch, and mulberries, followed by hints of anise, wild thyme, and underbrush, plus a touch of iris bulbs. The medium to full-bodied palate is taut with muscular black and red berry layers, supported by firm, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long and perfumed. Gorgeous!

Brilliant red. Suave, highly perfumed red berry, candied rose and vanilla scents carry hints of musky herbs and allspice. Sweet, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering juicy raspberry and floral pastille flavors and a touch of mocha that builds in the glass. Lingers with very good, spicy persistence; gentle tannins come in late to lend shape to the juicy red fruit. (JR)