Paul Lato 2019 Pinot Noir “Duende” Gold Coast 95 Points

This is Burgundy made in California!  The Gold Coast Vineyard is 30+ year-old and is own-rooted (no rootstock)!  Intensely perfumed aromatics jump out of the glass. Medium to full in body, this wine offers gobs of red stone fruit, a touch of underbrush and spice in its medium to full-bodied shell.  The wine lingers for a long time into a gorgeous, lengthy finish.

Paul Lato Notes: “This may very well by my finest vintage of Duende to date. Delicate, medium red color and fantastic perfume. Stewed strawberry and raspberry notes with very pleasant red fruit nuances from the 30-year-old vines at Gold Coast Vineyard. It has a silky texture on the tongue from the intermingling of the fruit with the finest new French oak – refreshing acidity and light tannins on the finish.  Duende is a perennial favorite of many of my long time customers.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points : “Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2019 Pinot Noir Duende Gold Coast Vineyard was completely destemmed and spent 12 months in 50% new French oak. Its translucent ruby color is followed by a wonderful nose of spiced cherries, mulberries, spring flowers, and scorched earth. With medium to full-bodied richness, it has some background oak, terrific overall balance, and both good tannins and acidity. It’s just beautifully put together and has a forward, charming, undeniably brilliant style that will keep for 5-7 years.”