Description
The Vineyard Cellars first came across PIUS in Spring 2022. We met up with Anthony and tasted the wine while looking out over the nodding vines of Daou Mountain. His 2018 was electrically good; one of the best first impressions I have ever had. At that time we had no idea who the customers were going to be, we just knew we wanted to work with the wine and placed our first order immediately. We learned a little more about him. Anthony Versochi’s CV is highlighted by his ten-year stint at Daou Estate, ending as it’s Senior Winemaker. During this period Daou showed the fastest growth of any winery in the US wine market. Having made the decision to start his own label, he was backed by his former employer, who let him make the first couple of vintages of his new wine at Daou Winery itself. Throughout this conversation Anthony talked quickly and passionately. It became clear he was an artist in the way that he makes wines. The conviction comes first, the idea over what he wants to create, and then hard science is employed to work out how to execute his vision. It was one of those meetings where we really felt we were in at the beginning of something truly big, not just sampling a great wine but seeing the start of something. Almost three years later, it is now is an exceptionally exciting time for Pius Wines. Anthony has now established himself in his own vineyard. He is planting new vines alongside rebuilding the winery and tasting rooms. Joined by businessman Peter Twiss and fellow winemaker Bob Lotierzo, their aim is to turn Pius into one of the finest destination vineyards in Paso Robles. What we are presenting today is their Inaugural release, named as it is the first vintage made on their own estate. Anthony’s clear vision of what good wine is leaps from every glass. There’s a succulence to the fruit. The ending is flawless and it’s only when you finish a sip do you realise how stunningly integrated the tannin’s in all of Anthony’s wines are. They are mouthfuls of velvet. There isn’t one that I don’t think is a superb example of what Paso Robles can be, at it’s very best. I am delighted to be representing these wines in the United Kingdom and I know they will provide incredible pleasure to all those who put a case or two in their cellar. Drinking happily now, they will have the capacity to provoke joy and interest for decades to come—if they last that long!
Production Notes The 2022 vintage in Edna Valley experienced unique weather patterns that influenced the grape growing season. Early spring saw mild temperatures and minimal frost, leading to a smooth bud break and flowering. Summer brought consistent warmth without extreme heat spikes, promoting even ripening. The region’s characteristic cool coastal breezes and foggy mornings helped maintain acidity in the grapes. A dry and stable harvest period allowed for precise picking times, resulting in wines with vibrant acidity and well-balanced flavors. Overall, the 2022 vintage in Edna Valley is noted for it’s bright and expressive character. Winemaker’s Tasting Notes In 2022, we were fortunate to work with an exceptional site just nine miles from the coast that produced this extraordinary expression of one of our favourite varietals, Chardonnay. The marine influence from the Pacific coast helps keep the nights cool and offers a nice reprieve from the California sunshine that allows the ripeness we love so dearly. This balance allows us to craft a white wine with both power and grace, exuberance and refinement, and most of all, approachability but with tension. Fermenting in barrel provides a unique textural experience that is creamy and lush that is coupled with an exuberant bouquet of ripe pineapple, bosc pear and crème brûlée. The wine ends with a clean, persistent and lingering finish driven by natural acidity.