{"title":"Luli","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"luli-chardonnay","title":"Luli Chardonnay","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuli Chardonnay\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 750ml, 13.5% ABV Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay made from 100% hand-picked fruit. Scored 92 points by \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e on its 2024 vintage, this bottling represents a collaboration between Master Sommelier Sara Floyd and the acclaimed Pisoni Family, with winemaking by Jeff Pisoni.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California  |  100% Chardonnay  |  Winemaker: Jeff Pisoni\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLuli is a joint venture between Sara Floyd, one of relatively few female Master Sommeliers in the world, and the Pisoni Family, whose vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands have earned a devoted following among California wine collectors. Jeff Pisoni handles winemaking duties, fermenting the Chardonnay in 100% neutral oak barrels using native yeast — a deliberate choice that avoids the toasty new-oak influence common in many California Chardonnays. The juice is transferred to barrel unsettled so it ages on its original lees, building texture and complexity, while malo-lactic fermentation is intentionally blocked to preserve the wine's bright, focused aromatics and natural acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e White peach and white flower open the glass, followed by freshly peeled Meyer lemon and grapefruit peel. A subtle flinty quality and foggy-morning herbs add intrigue beneath the fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is crisp and immediate, with ripe pear and apple giving way to honeyed pineapple and lemondrop flavors at the mid-palate. A chalky minerality and firm textural grip emerge as the wine opens, supported by zippy, mouthwatering acidity that keeps each sip lively and precise.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium in length with a tart citrus brightness and lingering crushed-stone minerality. The absence of malo-lactic softness lets the finish stay clean and refreshing rather than creamy.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Luli Chardonnay\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eServe lightly chilled — around 50–55°F — to let the aromatics open without muting the minerality. This is a versatile Chardonnay that performs well both on its own and in mixed drinks. A \u003cstrong\u003eFrench 75\u003c\/strong\u003e benefits from the wine's citrus brightness and crisp acidity. A \u003cstrong\u003eWhite Wine Spritzer\u003c\/strong\u003e showcases its pear and peach notes against a sparkling backdrop. And a \u003cstrong\u003eChardonnay Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with stone fruit and fresh herbs echoes the wine's natural flavor profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIntroducing someone to unoaked-style California Chardonnay\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeeknight dinners with seafood, roast chicken, or pasta in cream sauce\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting a wine lover who appreciates the Pisoni Family name\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSummer entertaining where a refreshing, mineral-driven white is needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Luli Chardonnay taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Chardonnay leads with Meyer lemon, ripe pear, and white peach, backed by chalky minerality and mouthwatering acidity. The neutral-oak fermentation keeps the profile focused on fruit and stone rather than butter or toast.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Luli Chardonnay compare to Lucia Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines are made by Jeff Pisoni from Santa Lucia Highlands fruit, but Lucia represents the family's premium estate line sourced from their Pisoni and Soberanes vineyards. Luli is positioned as the more accessible, value-oriented bottling while sharing the same winemaking philosophy and regional character.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luli Chardonnay good for sipping neat?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — its combination of bright acidity, lees-driven texture, and clean minerality makes it a rewarding glass on its own, particularly when served slightly chilled.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Luli Chardonnay made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Chardonnay is produced from hand-picked fruit grown in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA of Monterey County, California. The appellation's cool, fog-influenced climate is responsible for the wine's hallmark acidity and aromatic intensity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Luli Chardonnay?\u003c\/strong\u003e Grilled halibut or seared scallops complement the wine's minerality. Roast chicken with herbs mirrors its savory undertones. Fresh goat cheese echoes its chalky texture. Crab cakes work well against the bright citrus acidity, and a simple pear-and-arugula salad highlights the fruit-driven side of the palate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Luli Chardonnay come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Chardonnay is available in the standard 750ml bottle.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luli Chardonnay worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli positions as a value-oriented expression within the Santa Lucia Highlands category, delivering vineyard character and careful winemaking — neutral oak, native yeast, lees aging — at a price point well below the Pisoni Family's estate Lucia label.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Luli Chardonnay?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhat distinguishes this wine is the pedigree behind it: a Master Sommelier and one of California's most respected vineyard families collaborating on a Chardonnay designed to showcase site over winemaking artifice. The use of 100% neutral oak, native yeast fermentation, and blocked malo-lactic fermentation is a deliberate stylistic statement — this is Santa Lucia Highlands fruit presented with minimal intervention. A 92-point score from \u003cem\u003eWine Enthusiast\u003c\/em\u003e on the 2024 vintage confirms the approach is working. For drinkers seeking a California Chardonnay that prioritizes minerality and acidity over richness and oak, Luli fills a gap that few wines at its price tier occupy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44837794676905,"sku":"29023","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Luli-Chardonnay__19386.jpg?v=1730494738"},{"product_id":"luli-pinot-noir","title":"Luli Pinot Noir","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLuli Pinot Noir\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 100% Pinot Noir from California's Santa Lucia Highlands, bottled at 14.1% ABV in a standard 750ml format. A collaboration between Master Sommelier Sara Floyd and the acclaimed Pisoni Family, this appellation cuvée earned 93 points from Wine Enthusiast on both its 2021 and 2022 vintages — a consistent track record that speaks to the reliability of the project.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQuick Facts:\u003c\/strong\u003e ABV: 14.1%  |  Origin: Santa Lucia Highlands, Monterey County, California  |  100% Pinot Noir  |  Producer: Luli (Pisoni Family \/ Sara Floyd)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eProduction \u0026amp; Heritage\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLuli was born from the partnership between Sara Floyd, one of a small number of female Master Sommeliers in the world, and the Pisoni Family, whose vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands have helped define the appellation since the 1980s. Winemaking is handled under Jeff Pisoni's supervision, with all fruit hand-sorted and fermented using native yeasts in small lots. The wine is aged in neutral French oak barrels, undergoes gentle gravity-flow operations, and is bottled without fining or filtration — an approach designed to preserve the vineyard's character with minimal intervention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAroma:\u003c\/strong\u003e The nose opens with dark pomegranate and raspberry before revealing layers of hibiscus, crushed flowers, and lavender. Beneath the fruit, herbal notes of tea leaf, dark sage, and sandalwood add complexity and a distinctly savory edge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTaste:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entry is juicy and generous, with sweet red cherry and black raspberry flooding the mid-palate. As the wine develops, savory flavors of thyme, oregano, and bay leaf emerge, balanced by a subtle toast quality. The texture is plush and coating, with the fruit remaining focused and bright throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFinish:\u003c\/strong\u003e Medium-to-long, with silky, well-integrated tannins and lingering floral top notes. Pomegranate and raspberry crumble flavors echo alongside traces of baking spice and cedar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eHow to Drink Luli Pinot Noir\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis Pinot Noir is at its best with a slight chill — around 58–62°F — in a large-bowled Burgundy glass that allows its aromatic complexity to unfold. For a red wine cocktail, it works well in a \u003cstrong\u003ePinot Noir Sangria\u003c\/strong\u003e with stone fruit and fresh herbs that echo the wine's own herbal character, a \u003cstrong\u003eBurgundy Spritz\u003c\/strong\u003e with sparkling water and a rosemary sprig for a lighter warm-weather serve, or a classic \u003cstrong\u003eKalimotxo\u003c\/strong\u003e riff where the wine's bright acidity and berry core hold up against cola's sweetness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eBest For\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImpressing a wine-savvy dinner guest without opening a $100 bottle\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePairing with a Thanksgiving or holiday roast where bright acidity cuts through rich dishes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGifting to someone who appreciates the Pisoni family's reputation\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExploring Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir at an accessible entry point\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat does Luli Pinot Noir taste like?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Pinot Noir leads with ripe raspberry and black cherry fruit, layered with savory herbs like thyme, sage, and bay leaf. The texture is silky with well-integrated tannins, finishing with floral and baking spice notes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow does Luli Pinot Noir compare to Pisoni Estate Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Both wines draw from the Pisoni family's deep expertise in the Santa Lucia Highlands, but Pisoni Estate is a single-vineyard, estate-grown wine at a significantly higher price tier with greater concentration and aging potential. Luli represents a more approachable, appellation-level expression that emphasizes freshness and herbal character over power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luli Pinot Noir good for sipping on its own?\u003c\/strong\u003e Absolutely — the wine's balance of bright fruit, herbal complexity, and silky tannins makes it a rewarding solo pour. Its native yeast fermentation and unfiltered bottling give it enough textural interest to hold attention without food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is Luli Pinot Noir made?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Pinot Noir is produced from vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, a cool-climate appellation in Monterey County, California, known for fog-influenced growing conditions and long hang times that develop flavor while preserving acidity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat foods pair well with Luli Pinot Noir?\u003c\/strong\u003e Roast duck or quail, where the wine's herbal notes mirror classic poultry seasonings; grilled salmon, which matches the wine's weight and berry fruit; mushroom risotto, complementing the earthy undertones; charcuterie boards with aged salami and mild sheep's-milk cheese; and herb-crusted lamb chops, where thyme and rosemary mirror the wine's savory profile.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat sizes does Luli Pinot Noir come in?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli Pinot Noir is widely available in the standard 750ml bottle format.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs Luli Pinot Noir worth the price?\u003c\/strong\u003e Luli positions as a mid-range California Pinot Noir, but its pedigree — backed by the Pisoni family's vineyard knowledge and a Master Sommelier's palate — along with consistent 91–93 point critical scores, places it well above many wines at its price tier in terms of complexity and quality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cu\u003eWhy Luli Pinot Noir?\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhat separates this wine from the crowded field of California Pinot Noir is the rare combination of people behind it: the Pisoni family, whose Santa Lucia Highlands vineyards are among the most respected in the state, and Sara Floyd, whose Master Sommelier credentials bring a consumer-facing understanding of balance and drinkability to the blend. The production choices — native yeast fermentation, neutral oak aging, no fining or filtration, gravity-flow handling — reflect a minimal-intervention philosophy that lets the appellation speak clearly. Consecutive 93-point scores from Wine Enthusiast confirm this isn't a flash in the pan but a consistently well-made bottling that over-delivers on its promise of site-driven, herbaceous, fruit-forward Pinot Noir from one of California's benchmark cool-climate regions.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Luli","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":44839066861737,"sku":"33023","price":23.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0680\/1024\/6313\/files\/Luli-Pinot-Noir__62554.jpg?v=1730516747"}],"url":"https:\/\/theliquorbarn.com\/collections\/luli.oembed","provider":"The Liquor Barn","version":"1.0","type":"link"}