Paul Lato ‘Suerte’ Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

Iconica — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 06:35:19 +0000

97 Points | Robert Parker

The Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 comes from 21-year-old vines planted in sand and was matured for 17 months in 53% new French oak. It has a deep, alluring perfume of strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate, with nuances of blood orange, tea leaves, graphite and fresh tobacco that continue to unfurl as it spends time in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is more coiled at this youthful stage, its flavors driven by iron-like mineral tones. It has a fine, powdery texture, mouthwatering busts of acidity that call you back to the glass and a long, spicy finish. It deserves 3-5 years in bottle to unwind and will be long lived.

97 Points | International Wine Report

With fruit coming from the famous Solomon Hills Vineyard, the Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 showcases those telltale notes from the area. Gobs of rich dark raspberries, spiced black cherry, grilled Blood orange peel, dried violet flowers, and stony minerality are all present and wonderfully combined in the glass. Wonderfully textured, incredibly balanced, and impeccably made, this is another stunning Pinot Noir from the magicians of Paul Lato that will drink well over the next 10-15 years with proper storage. Highly recommended.

95 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

I always love Lato's Pinot Noir from this site, and the Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is no exception. Revealing a ruby hue as well as gorgeous notes of wild strawberries, black tea, toasted spice, and exotic flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered, supple texture, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. Drink this more up-front, fruit-loaded, gorgeous Pinot Noir over the coming 5-7 years. (Aug 2023)

94 points | Vinous

The Paul Lato 'Suerte' Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 is a super-classic wine from this site. There is a bit of youthful austerity, but also enough fruit to provide lovely inner sweetness and fine balance. Dark cherry, plum, lavender, spice and menthol fill out the layers nicely. This bright, energetic Pinot will drink beautifully for a number of years. I especially admire its vivid, slightly nervy, personality.

The post Paul Lato ‘Suerte’ Solomon Hills Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021 appeared first on Iconica.

Paul Lato ‘Kokoro’ Chardonnay 2021

Iconica — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 17:39:00 +0000

Paul Lato began his career as a sommelier at some of Toronto’s finest restaurants. His journey into winemaking started when Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat invited him to help with the 1996 harvest in California’s Central Coast. Although Lato returned to Toronto, he became captivated by the idea of making wine. In 2002, he made the move to the Central Coast permanently. There, he worked as a cellar rat while crafting small batches of his own wine on the side.

Lato’s initial vintages received acclaim from Robert M. Parker Jr. and other critics. Since then, he has continued producing limited quantities of Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Chardonnay in Santa Maria, using grapes sourced from Santa Rita, Santa Ynez Valley, and Santa Maria Valley. Though he only produces around 500 cases each year, Lato has built a reputation for excellence. Parker consistently rates Lato’s wines between 90 and 95 points, noting that “Lato’s passion and impeccable attention to detail have resulted in some outstanding wines.” His wines are typically available only through a mailing list.

Learn more about Paul Lato Wines here or visit the Paul Lato website here.