Paul Lato 2022 “Le Souvenir” Chardonnay MAGNUM 97 Points

Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points: “The 2022 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard has a pure, crystalline nose of ripe stone fruits, white flowers, chalky minerality, and hints of minty herbs. This carries to a medium-bodied Chardonnay that has a layered mouthfeel, bright yet perfectly integrated acidity, and a great finish. It has just a kiss of background oak, and as with the other wines from Lato, it opens up beautifully with air. Drink bottles any time over the coming 7-8 years. I wouldn’t be surprised to see it keep longer.”

Decanter 97 Points: “Winemaker Paul Lato, known for his rich, reductive style and significant use of new oak, crafts Chardonnay with a grand cru Burgundy sensibility: opulent, powerful, and refined. From a naturally late-ripening site exposed to frequent winds. Sweetly fragrant florals, ripe honeydew melon, and candied citrus on the palate. A subtle reductive quality enhances the wine’s depth, while the ripe fruit character carries through a long, luxurious finish.”

Paul Lato Notes: “A staple in our portfolio since 2007, this small parcel of Wente clone from Santa Maria Valley has been mistaken for a Grand Cru of Burgundy in many blind tastings. It is dry but rich with great velvety texture, nuances of linden flower, caramelized apple, chamomile tea, and crushed rocks. Finishes long and satisfying with refreshing acidity.”