Paul Lato 2021 “Ora et Labora” Grenache Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley – 95 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 95 Points: “Lots of black cherry liqueur, roasted herbs, licorice, and floral notes emerge from the 2021 Grenache Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard, a 100% Grenache that was destemmed and brought up in 25% new French oak. It’s easily one of the finest Grenache releases I’ve tasted from Lato and is medium to full-bodied, with beautiful richness and depth and a great finish. It will evolve for a decade.”

Robert Parker 95 Points (Prev): “The Grenache Ora et Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard comes from 16-year-old vines farmed by Chris Hammell and was matured for 19 months in 20% new French oak. Pale ruby-purple, it’s shy to begin, unfolding to blackberry and raspberry, oolong tea leaves, mushrooms, and forest floor—there’s a very pretty broodiness to this vintage. The medium-bodied palate offers concentrated, slowly blossoming fruit and earth accents. It has firm, dusty tannins, fireworks of fresh acidity, and a very long, spicy finish. Only 89 cases were made.”

Paul Lato Notes: “This is one of the most historic vineyards in Santa Maria Valley tracing its grape-growing history back to the days of the Spanish land grants. Many of this region’s most acclaimed winemakers have enjoyed great success working with this internationally renowned site. This Grenache was fermented in 500L puncheons and a 1-ton stainless steel fermenter. A small percentage of whole clusters (< 3%) are included by feel during the fruit sorting process.