Wine Enthusiast Gives Pulchella Top Rating Among Central Coast Wines

 Following several 90-plus ratings in America’s leading wine magazine, Pulchella Winery’s 2013 Mercenary Reserve 25 Zinfandel was the top-rated Central Coast wine in Wine Enthusiast.
“It’s nice to be included with the big boys, but to come out on top is beyond humbling,” said Steve Lemley, Co-winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Pulchella Winery and Tasting Room.  Steve produces Pulchella wines alongside Co-winemaker Nate Hasper.  “We try to design a wine that goes above and beyond what’s out there.  There’s got to be a uniqueness to a wine for it to be special.”
Highlighted in the magazine’s buying guide, the 2013 Mercenary Reserve 25 Zinfandel was given 94 points – a huge honor in the world of winemaking.
“I review over 200 wines a month from all over the Central Coast,” said Wine Enthusiast Contributing Editor Matt Kettmann.  “Most of the wines I drink are in the 87-89 point range.  But when they start to creep into the 90s, that is an excellent wine.  Anytime I rate a wine 90 or above, I have to justify what I taste.  In this case, the higher score I give, the more flavors I can taste in the wine.”
To earn 94 points, Pulchella’s flavors were truly pronounced.
“Velvety aromas of blackberry-spearmint chiffon greet the nose on this wondrous bottling from the Mainini Vineyard,” wrote Matt Kettmann in his recent review.  “The wine’s mouthfeel is sexy, luxurious, soft and supple, with unctuous yet not overbearing flavors of dark chocolate, plum, black pepper, truffle and shaved licorice.”
As a reserve wine, the 94-point Zinfandel underwent a slightly different process than its counterparts.
“During the winemaking process, sometimes individual barrels will start to really shine and stand out from the rest,” Steve said.  “At that point, we separate them from the rest and save them for our reserve wines.”
Though reserve wines are only available to wine club members, Pulchella strives to provide that next-level quality in each bottle – and Wine Enthusiast has recognized this effort, as well.  In recent issues, Wine Enthusiast highlighted other Pulchella wines:
• 2013 Red, White & Blue Red (El Pomar District) 94 Points
• 2013 Henchman Tannat (Adelaida District) 91 Points
One of the benefits of having a top-rated winery in Santa Clarita is the proximity to excellent wine.
“We don’t live in wine country,” Steve said, “but we strive to bring the benefits of California’s best wines to Santa Clarita through our wine membership program.”
In addition to having priority access to Pulchella’s best wines, wine club members enjoy heavy discounts, free wine tastings and service that feels like you’re part of the Pulchella family.  Allocations are completely customizable, as well.
If you would like to taste more from Pulchella Winery, the Tasting Room is open Thursday through Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Wine lovers looking for more than just a glass can sign up for the Pulchella wine membership program at www.pulchellawinery.com.
For more information on Pulchella Winery, please visit www.pulchellawinery.com or call 661-799-WINE.