Paul Lato

East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard Chardonnay

9.331 ratings
9.26 pro ratings
Santa Lucia Highlands, Central Coast, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
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.

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.

Jan 25th, 2024
Branden Bidwell

Mmm! Soccer moms of the world rejoice!

Mmm! Soccer moms of the world rejoice!

Feb 21st, 2016
Bill Bender

I usually dig just about everything they do, but this was the exception. Just too much sweetness here. The confection was overbearing and did not let up on day two.

I usually dig just about everything they do, but this was the exception. Just too much sweetness here. The confection was overbearing and did not let up on day two.

Sep 4th, 2015
Michael Larner

I don't always drink Chardonnay, but when I do it's Paul Lato! Beautiful aromas of ripe pear, mineral, fresh popcorn, Tahitian vanilla bean, and fresh cut grass. Great mouthfeel with fresh acidity and gorgeous fruit weight. Very well done.

I don't always drink Chardonnay, but when I do it's Paul Lato! Beautiful aromas of ripe pear, mineral, fresh popcorn, Tahitian vanilla bean, and fresh cut grass. Great mouthfeel with fresh acidity and gorgeous fruit weight. Very well done.

Feb 22nd, 2015
Aaron Means

Fantastic chard. Soft fuzzy peach, hints of vanilla, candied ginger and green apple. Great balancing acidity. More fruit than the 2011's. Superb with calamari, Caesar salad, carbonara, and salmon at Asti Trattoria, Austin.

Fantastic chard. Soft fuzzy peach, hints of vanilla, candied ginger and green apple. Great balancing acidity. More fruit than the 2011's. Superb with calamari, Caesar salad, carbonara, and salmon at Asti Trattoria, Austin.

Jul 27th, 2014
Bill Bender

Not showing well at all today. Hold.

Not showing well at all today. Hold.

Nov 28th, 2013
Norman Gennaro

Still showing well@

Still showing well@

Apr 3rd, 2023
Jeroen Koenen

Wonderfully restrained and cool in style.

Wonderfully restrained and cool in style.

Jun 8th, 2019
Norman Gennaro

Good but like the Ferren better

Good but like the Ferren better

Mar 13th, 2019
Norman Gennaro

Only had a sip and reminded me of something but could not put my finger on it. Enjoyable.

Only had a sip and reminded me of something but could not put my finger on it. Enjoyable.

Dec 26th, 2017