Paul Lato 2020 Pinot Noir “Suerte” Solomon Hills Santa Maria 96 Points

Paul is not slowing down one bit, and this workhorse “Suerte” will amaze many Pinot lovers alike! It shows gorgeously young, and will even improve a lot more in the years to come!  Only a few barrels were produced! This 2020 is any bit as good as the 97 point rated 2019 vintage! Only 240 cases were produced.

Paul Lato Notes: “Solomon Hills is the most westerly vineyard in the appellation, making it the coolest due to its proximity to the ocean. Suerte is a favorite of some of my most loyal supporters, including Thomas Keller and Wolfgang Puck. Dark color with a shiny hue. Pronounced brooding nose with darker fruit nuances of blueberry pie and cherry with a hint of clove and light smoke. On the body, the wine is well defined possessing zesty flavors with balanced structure and bright acidity. While the tannins are quite firm on the finish, the wine delivers plenty of pleasure and intensity. Classic Santa Maria Pinot at its best. Decant one-half an hour prior to service.”

Robert Parker 96 Points: “The 2020 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard comes from 20-year-old vines farmed by Chris Hammell and was matured for 17 months in 52% new French oak. It has a pale ruby color and deep scents of cranberry, sour cherries, Earl Grey tea, licorice, mushrooms and autumn leaves. The medium-bodied palate is concentrated and supple with fireworks of fresh acidity to call you back on the long, flavorful finish.”

Jeb Dunnuck 95+ Points: “The 2020 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard comes from a great, tiny site outside of Santa Maria and was destemmed and spent 17 months in 52% new French oak. It has some classic Santa Maria minerality and marine-like iodine nuances as well as darker cherry and berry fruits, notes of baking spices, chocolate, and loamy earth, medium to full body, a round, concentrated mouthfeel, and a great finish. This rich, serious effort will benefit from just a year or two of bottle age and should have a decade of prime drinking.”