Paul Lato 2021 “Suerte” Pinot Noir, Solomon Hills Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley

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.”

Paul Lato Notes: “The nose is intense, with notes of blueberry, potpourri, and forest floor. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with flavors of dark fruit, red velvet, and baking spices. The tannins are fine-grained, and the finish is long and satisfying. “