Paul Lato 2018 Chardonnay “Souvenir” Sierra Madre Vineyard 97 Points

Paul Lato Notes:” After looking for a very special site planted with the Wente clone, I was lucky to find a most enchanting part of the historic Sierra Madre Vineyard established over 30 years ago. It was the late Robert Mondavi who reshaped the fate of this vineyard in the early 1990s. This small parcel has gentle southern exposure, producing small yields of medium-bodied Chardonnay with nuances of citrus and minerality. I also produce a full-bodied, generous and equally wholesome Pinot Noir from adjacent blocks using clones 115 and 667. Owner Doug Circle’s commitment to providing me with the best of the best grapes from his vineyard is highly important to the success of my wine — This wine possesses a powerful and exuberant nose of brioche and lemon zest, with nuances of vanilla and spice. It is dry, yet plenty rich in its taste, with a medium-plus body, voluptuous and round texture, and nuances of minerals. The seamless integration of new French oak provides plenty of structure, and leads into a gracefully dry finish, inviting you to take another sip. It will drink wonderfully on its own with a great conversation or while reading your favorite novel. One of our favorite dishes to pair is a creamy Lobster risotto in light saffron spice.”

This wine is probably any bit as good, if not better than the 2017 vintage!

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “The 2018 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard comes from a site outside of Santa Maria and was brought up in 60% new French oak. Awesome notes of white flowers, white currants, toasted spices, honeysuckle and a touch of spice all emerge from this ultra-classic, medium to full-bodied, seamless beauty. It does everything right and is just a classy effort.”