Paul Lato 2020 Chardonnay “East of Eden” Pisoni Vineyard Santa Lucia Highlands*

This is the Tenth release of the East Of Eden Chardonany from the famed Pisoni Vineyard. Only a few barrels were produced, and I was lucky to get a few cases from Paul as they were all earmarked for his mailing list and for restaurants like French Laundry, Per Se, Gary Danko, etc.  This is probably the best rendition of a 1er Cru Montrachet produced in California.  As you are aware of Paul’s meticulous wine-making skills and strategy, nothing escapes this guru of precision!

I’d say that this wine is very similar to the great 2018 vintage, which received 98 Points!

Paul Lato Notes: “Powerful yet controlled nose, with aromas of flint, lily, and Crème Brulee, California meets Burgundy. The body is long and powerful with marine-influenced salinity and a fresh boisterous finish. This wine has a larger-than-life personality, much like the man growing the grapes, Gary Pisoni. This wine will pair well with lighter dishes of seafood or chicken, but also has the potential to complement a steak.”

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points (2019) “As usual, the 2019 Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard is more reserved and tight yet builds slowly with time in the glass. Crushed citrus, honeysuckle, flower oil, and honeyed minerality all emerge with air, and this beauty is medium to full-bodied, perfectly balanced, and has a liquid rock-like sense of minerality on the palate. Just beautiful on all accounts, it has integrated acidity, flawless balance, and a great finish. It’s an incredible Chardonnay from the genius of Paul Lato that will keep for at least 7-8 years, if not a decade.”

*Future – arrives mid April 2022