Wise Villa Winery

Paul Lato

East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

Shay A
9.4

I’m scoring as is today, but I really think this inches upward a bit over the next 5-7yrs.

This fell victim to curiosity (as well as a ‘21 Modus Operandi UV-Laguna Pinot). I’ve had a few of Lato’s entry and mid-level offerings, but this was my first Pisoni from them. Loved it.

Profile wise, this is similar to Dumol (not as big as Aubert, but not a lean style either). A very pretty down-the-middle style. While the aromatics here were lovely (honeysuckle, faint lemon cream, citrus and sweet baking spices), the texture of this wine was a standout. Sports much more depth than initially expected (yellow fruits, peach, apricot, pink cotton candy, limestone)…not quite a lees-y style, but close, while remaining elegant and light on its feet (good acidity). Oak is there but plays a supporting role. For being so young, this was a supremely balanced wine. I need to consider buying more.
— 3 months ago

Jan, David and 23 others liked this
Bryan Kesting

Bryan Kesting Premium Badge

@Shay A Paul Lato makes great wines. Many of them drink well on the early side. Great notes.

B. Wise Vineyards

Trios Sonoma Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Smooth velvety delicious mouth symphony. Perfection in a California Cabernet. www.freerunjuicewine.com — comment and tag me if you would like a discount code! Cheers friends! — 4 years ago

Mike, Neil and 4 others liked this

Bodegas Caudalia

01 Paal Syrah 2015

Tastes like a Syrah from somewhere in Santa Barbara County, which is not a bad thing taste-wise. But I’m always puzzled when European countries plant grapes that are indigenous to other countries. That aside, it’s very good. Nose is complex, with animal, vegetable, and mineral qualities (plus some nice fruit). There is an intense iron quality, cured salami, ripe boysenberry, and a little tobacco leaf. In the mouth it’s dark and rich, but the tannins are well integrated and unobtrusive. Acidity is a little lower than most Northern Rhônes, but enough to maintain balance. Despite my predispositions, I like it. — 2 years ago

Sharon, Severn and 6 others liked this

B. Wise Vineyards

Willamette Valley Pinot Noir 2014

Dirty earthy dark cherry and dark compact fruits. Currants and minerally prunes. Grainy texture and dense leather in the age. Bigger Pinot that I expected. Pleasant pairing fir mushroom dishes and even dark cherry pie. — 3 years ago

Neil, Daniel P. and 4 others liked this

Kentucky Owl

The Wise Man's Bourbon Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Such a solid bourbon - wish I could get a case 🤓 Prior notes apply. — 3 years ago

Eric, Shay and 12 others liked this

G.D. Vajra

Albe Barolo Nebbiolo 2016

blend of communes, high elevation. boysenberry, firm and fruity juicy tannins, lighter on palate weight wise. lots of complexity. dusty tannins that open up. not grippy. — 2 years ago

Laura liked this

Abrente

Napa Valley Albariño 2013

Another hidden treasure...I know we should have popped it earlier... but this joint venture between Morgan Twain-Peterson from Bedrock and Michael Havens (first producer of New World Albariño) is still alive. Medium gold/yellow in the glass... perhaps not quite as vibrant acid-wise as at release, but very powerful and pleasant. Slightly waxy and round, sporting a bit of funk, but notes of unripe pear, green apple, and green papaya bring a smile. I don’t think this wine is currently made, but I always thought it a real QPR bargain. — 3 years ago

David, Steve and 2 others liked this

Château de Beaucastel

Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 1999

17.5 still deep red, with amber rim. Good acidity, fruit better than I thought at the outset . Decanting wise, oddly the fruit emerged. — 4 years ago