Paul Lato 2021 “Stand by Me” Pinot Noir, Drum Canyon Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills

Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2020): “More exotic notes of candied strawberries, red plums, violets, new leather, and exotic flowers all define the bouquet of the 2020 Pinot Noir Stand By Me Drum Canyon Vineyard, another rich, medium to full-bodied, concentrated, floral, nicely structured Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. I like its tannins, and like many of Lato’s 2020s, it has good structure and a more focused, chiseled style that should reward a year or two of bottle age.”

Paul Lato Notes: “The most fragrant and exuberant wine in the lineup, the 2021 “Stand by Me” opens with complex aromas of blueberry compote, black cherry, and jasmine. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and silky, with bright acidity and gentle tannins. The finish is long and complex, with a hint of minerality that adds depth and dimension. Reminiscent of Vosne-Romanée, Stand by Me has a perfect balance of weight, structure, elegance, and longevity. “