NEWS BULLETIN: The much-anticipated wines from my friend and winemaker Paul Lato have arrived!!
The 2022 vintage is probably THE BEST he has produced to date, with an astonishing quality, but some the smallest quantity ever. If you liked the 2021 vintage, you are going to want to JUMP on the 2022s as they are even more amazing, but VERY limited produced!
As always, Paul’s wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as you know sell out quickly.
Paul Lato 2022 “Goldberg Variations No. 5” Chardonnay – Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley
Retail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Larry Hyde has dedicated his entire life to viticulture at its highest level. Now his son Chris continues this tremendous legacy. This very fine wine comes from one of the oldest Chardonnay blocks on the Hyde Estate Vineyard in Carneros. The wine possesses complex aromatics of acacia flowers, lime zest, and subtle tropical fruits. Orange blossoms flavor, velvety texture with laser-beam acidity, refreshing, energetic, and electrifying. Finishing long with refined tannins. Superb."
Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points (2021): “From one of the iconic sites in Carneros, the 2021 Chardonnay Goldberg Variations No. 4 Hyde Vineyard will give a great vintage from Aubert a run for its money. Ripe pineapple, honeyed lemon, candle wax, green almond, and toasted bread all define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, with a pure, seamless mouthfeel, tons of richness, and a great finish. It’s one of the finest Chardonnays in this report. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.”
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Paul Lato 2022 “Le Souvenir” Chardonnay – Sierra Madre Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
Retail 89.99 – GGWC 84.99
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."
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Coming from a site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2021 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard offers more minerality and salinity, with crisp citrus and orchard fruits, medium to full body, bright, juicy acidity, terrific mid-palate depth, and complex notes of minty herbs and green almonds. It will benefit from a year of bottle age (you'll be forgiven for opening bottles today) and will keep through 2031.”
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Paul Lato 2022 “East of Eden” Chardonnay – Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Complex, beautiful, refined, perfumed. Vibrant flavors harmonize seamlessly with floral notes of linden and jasmine, and fruit aromas of lemon drop and apricot, held together by crushed stone minerality. An abundance of flavor condensed into a refined, yet powerful package, this wine will inspire you from beginning to end.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “From a site in the southern, slightly warmer portion of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 2021 Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard is one of the tighter, more mineral-drench, backward Chardonnays in the lineup. Crushed citrus, flinty minerality, orange blossom, and spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it's pure and medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity and a focused, layered style that will benefit from a year or two of bottle age. It will drink beautifully through 2031.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Seabiscuit” Pinot Noir – Zotovich Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “The “Seabiscuit” is a delightful wine, showing bright red fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry, with subtle notes of sandalwood. The palate is refined and zesty, with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity. The finish is long and complex, revealing additional layers of elegance and nuance."
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Lighter ruby-hued, the 2021 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard comes from a great site in the Sta. Rita Hills was destemmed and raised in new French oak. Wild strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, baking spices, and loamy soil notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, incredibly elegant mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. It will evolve for 10-12 years, although it's fabulous today as well.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 Lancelot Pinot Noir – Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands
Retail 120.00 – GGWC 109.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Aromas of cherry and boysenberry, along with hints of crushed stone and lavender jump out of the glass. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep, and concentrated, with a viscous core of dark fruit, youthful yet polished tannins, and a long sapid finish. Enjoy the robust fruit now, or watch it age gracefully for many years to come.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points (2021): “I always find an incredible sense of minerality from this site, and the 2021 Pinot Noir Lancelot Pisoni Vineyard has bright red fruits, white flowers, crushed stone, and violet-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, tight, and structured, it's flawlessly balanced and has a great finish. Hide bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy through 2033.”
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Paul Lato 2022 ”Suerte” Pinot Noir – Solomon Hills, Santa Maria Valley
Retail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
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. “
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2021): “I always love Lato's Pinot Noir from this site, and his 2021 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard is no exception. Revealing a ruby hue as well as gorgeous notes of wild strawberries, black tea, toasted spice, and exotic flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered, supple texture, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. Drink this more up-front, fruit-loaded, gorgeous Pinot Noir over the coming 5-7 years.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Atticus” Pinot Noir – John-Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills
Retail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “John Sebastiano is a beautiful vineyard on the eastern side of Sta. Rita Hills with a variety of micro-climates. The relatively windy location limits yields resulting in concentrated flavors. I use clones 115 and 667 to produce Pinot Noir of great depth and character.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Another Sta. Rita Hills release, the 2021 Pinot Noir Atticus John-Sebastiano Vineyard was destemmed and spent 16 months in 66% new French oak. It reveals a translucent ruby hue followed by an awesome bouquet of redcurrants, framboise, dried rose petals, and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it has incredible tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Victor Francis” Pinot Noir, Peake Ranch Santa Rita Hills
Retail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Aromas of red and black cherries, violets, and rose petals leap from the glass. The palate is layered and plush, with a long, lingering finish. The “Victor Francis” is a gorgeous wine that showcases the beauty and complexity of the Sta. Rita Hills, and will only improve with age. “
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2021): “Wild strawberries, rose petals, forest floor, and orange blossom are just some of the nuances in the 2021 Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard, a beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied, spicy, floral Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It has the same level of purity and elegance found in the other efforts here and is a joy to drink. Completely destemmed and aged 17 months in two-thirds new French oak, it will have a solid 7-8 years of longevity, but don't be afraid to open bottles.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Duende” Pinot Noir – Gold Coast Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley
Retail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Our 21st vintage of Pinot Noir from Gold Coast Vineyard opens with the classic fragrant perfume of Santa Maria. Wild strawberry, Bing cherry, and a touch of spice engage the senses for this soft and supple wine. On the palate, Duende displays silky texture and vibrant acidity, leading to a long and velvety finish.”
Robert Parker 95 Points (2021): “The 2021 Pinot Noir Duende Gold Coast Vineyard comes from 33-year-old, own-rooted Martini clone vines. It has a pale ruby color and alluring Earl Grey tea leaves, orange peel, and Angostura accents with a core of cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The light-bodied palate features concentrated, crunchy, fruits, bright acidity, and a chalky texture, and it finishes with tremendous floral layers. All that fruit on such a drinkable frame is addicting! It was matured for 12 months in 50% new French oak, and 100 cases were made”
Also check out: Melis Family 2023 Rose of Pinot Noir & Melis Family 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon “A2” Rutherford
Click here or on the links above to order!
Call 415-337-4083 (landline, please do not text here – we will not receive
it)
email frank@ggwc.com for availability and priority allocation
The 2022 vintage is probably THE BEST he has produced to date, with an astonishing quality, but some the smallest quantity ever. If you liked the 2021 vintage, you are going to want to JUMP on the 2022s as they are even more amazing, but VERY limited produced!
As always, Paul’s wines are offered on a first-come, first-served basis, and as you know sell out quickly.
Paul Lato 2022 “Goldberg Variations No. 5” Chardonnay – Hyde Vineyard, Napa Valley Retail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Larry Hyde has dedicated his entire life to viticulture at its highest level. Now his son Chris continues this tremendous legacy. This very fine wine comes from one of the oldest Chardonnay blocks on the Hyde Estate Vineyard in Carneros. The wine possesses complex aromatics of acacia flowers, lime zest, and subtle tropical fruits. Orange blossoms flavor, velvety texture with laser-beam acidity, refreshing, energetic, and electrifying. Finishing long with refined tannins. Superb."
Jeb Dunnuck 99 Points (2021): “From one of the iconic sites in Carneros, the 2021 Chardonnay Goldberg Variations No. 4 Hyde Vineyard will give a great vintage from Aubert a run for its money. Ripe pineapple, honeyed lemon, candle wax, green almond, and toasted bread all define the aromatics, and it’s full-bodied, with a pure, seamless mouthfeel, tons of richness, and a great finish. It’s one of the finest Chardonnays in this report. Drink bottles over the coming 7-8 years.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Le Souvenir” Chardonnay – Sierra Madre Vineyard, Santa Maria ValleyRetail 89.99 – GGWC 84.99
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."
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Coming from a site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2021 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard offers more minerality and salinity, with crisp citrus and orchard fruits, medium to full body, bright, juicy acidity, terrific mid-palate depth, and complex notes of minty herbs and green almonds. It will benefit from a year of bottle age (you'll be forgiven for opening bottles today) and will keep through 2031.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “East of Eden” Chardonnay – Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia HighlandsRetail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Complex, beautiful, refined, perfumed. Vibrant flavors harmonize seamlessly with floral notes of linden and jasmine, and fruit aromas of lemon drop and apricot, held together by crushed stone minerality. An abundance of flavor condensed into a refined, yet powerful package, this wine will inspire you from beginning to end.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “From a site in the southern, slightly warmer portion of the Santa Lucia Highlands, the 2021 Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard is one of the tighter, more mineral-drench, backward Chardonnays in the lineup. Crushed citrus, flinty minerality, orange blossom, and spicy wood notes all define the aromatics, and it's pure and medium to full-bodied, with integrated acidity and a focused, layered style that will benefit from a year or two of bottle age. It will drink beautifully through 2031.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Seabiscuit” Pinot Noir – Zotovich Vineyard, Santa Rita Hills Retail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “The “Seabiscuit” is a delightful wine, showing bright red fruit flavors of cranberry and raspberry, with subtle notes of sandalwood. The palate is refined and zesty, with a lovely balance of fruit and acidity. The finish is long and complex, revealing additional layers of elegance and nuance."
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Lighter ruby-hued, the 2021 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard comes from a great site in the Sta. Rita Hills was destemmed and raised in new French oak. Wild strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, baking spices, and loamy soil notes all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, layered, incredibly elegant mouthfeel and fine-grained tannins. It will evolve for 10-12 years, although it's fabulous today as well.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 Lancelot Pinot Noir – Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia HighlandsRetail 120.00 – GGWC 109.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Aromas of cherry and boysenberry, along with hints of crushed stone and lavender jump out of the glass. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, deep, and concentrated, with a viscous core of dark fruit, youthful yet polished tannins, and a long sapid finish. Enjoy the robust fruit now, or watch it age gracefully for many years to come.”
Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points (2021): “I always find an incredible sense of minerality from this site, and the 2021 Pinot Noir Lancelot Pisoni Vineyard has bright red fruits, white flowers, crushed stone, and violet-like aromas and flavors. Rich, medium to full-bodied, tight, and structured, it's flawlessly balanced and has a great finish. Hide bottles for 2-3 years and enjoy through 2033.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 ”Suerte” Pinot Noir – Solomon Hills, Santa Maria ValleyRetail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
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. “
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2021): “I always love Lato's Pinot Noir from this site, and his 2021 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard is no exception. Revealing a ruby hue as well as gorgeous notes of wild strawberries, black tea, toasted spice, and exotic flowers, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a round, layered, supple texture, integrated tannins, and outstanding length. Drink this more up-front, fruit-loaded, gorgeous Pinot Noir over the coming 5-7 years.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Atticus” Pinot Noir – John-Sebastiano Vineyard, Santa Rita HillsRetail 99.99 – GGWC 94.99
Paul Lato Notes: “John Sebastiano is a beautiful vineyard on the eastern side of Sta. Rita Hills with a variety of micro-climates. The relatively windy location limits yields resulting in concentrated flavors. I use clones 115 and 667 to produce Pinot Noir of great depth and character.”
Jeb Dunnuck 97 Points (2021): “Another Sta. Rita Hills release, the 2021 Pinot Noir Atticus John-Sebastiano Vineyard was destemmed and spent 16 months in 66% new French oak. It reveals a translucent ruby hue followed by an awesome bouquet of redcurrants, framboise, dried rose petals, and savory herbs. Medium-bodied, balanced, and elegant, it has incredible tannins, no hard edges, and a great finish. Give bottles a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Victor Francis” Pinot Noir, Peake Ranch Santa Rita HillsRetail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Aromas of red and black cherries, violets, and rose petals leap from the glass. The palate is layered and plush, with a long, lingering finish. The “Victor Francis” is a gorgeous wine that showcases the beauty and complexity of the Sta. Rita Hills, and will only improve with age. “
Jeb Dunnuck 96 Points (2021): “Wild strawberries, rose petals, forest floor, and orange blossom are just some of the nuances in the 2021 Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard, a beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied, spicy, floral Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It has the same level of purity and elegance found in the other efforts here and is a joy to drink. Completely destemmed and aged 17 months in two-thirds new French oak, it will have a solid 7-8 years of longevity, but don't be afraid to open bottles.”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paul Lato 2022 “Duende” Pinot Noir – Gold Coast Vineyard, Santa Maria ValleyRetail 89.99 -GGWC 84.99
Paul Lato Notes: “Our 21st vintage of Pinot Noir from Gold Coast Vineyard opens with the classic fragrant perfume of Santa Maria. Wild strawberry, Bing cherry, and a touch of spice engage the senses for this soft and supple wine. On the palate, Duende displays silky texture and vibrant acidity, leading to a long and velvety finish.”
Robert Parker 95 Points (2021): “The 2021 Pinot Noir Duende Gold Coast Vineyard comes from 33-year-old, own-rooted Martini clone vines. It has a pale ruby color and alluring Earl Grey tea leaves, orange peel, and Angostura accents with a core of cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries. The light-bodied palate features concentrated, crunchy, fruits, bright acidity, and a chalky texture, and it finishes with tremendous floral layers. All that fruit on such a drinkable frame is addicting! It was matured for 12 months in 50% new French oak, and 100 cases were made”
Also check out: Melis Family 2023 Rose of Pinot Noir & Melis Family 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon “A2” Rutherford
Click here or on the links above to order!
Call 415-337-4083 (landline, please do not text here – we will not receive
it)
email frank@ggwc.com for availability and priority allocation