Paul Lato
"Seabiscuit" Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sta. Rita Hills, Central Coast, California, USA
I’m between 92-93 here, but this definitely has upside. Followed over three days.
Very translucent ruby in the glass. Extremely floral on the nose alongside plenty of juicy red fruit (strawberries, raspberries) and savory herbal spices. If whole clusters were used, it was minimal, but this isn’t a brash new world Pinot with overpowering oak. It trends toward a faint kirsch and black tea finish. I always enjoy Lato’s SRH Pinots and this is a good one now and will be for a solid 5-7yrs.
I’m between 92-93 here, but this definitely has upside. Followed over three days.
Very translucent ruby in the glass. Extremely floral on the nose alongside plenty of juicy red fruit (strawberries, raspberries) and savory herbal spices. If whole clusters were used, it was minimal, but this isn’t a brash new world Pinot with overpowering oak. It trends toward a faint kirsch and black tea finish. I always enjoy Lato’s SRH Pinots and this is a good one now and will be for a solid 5-7yrs.
Nice meeting Paul Lato and talking about his wines.
This Zotovich Vineyard offering is delicious young but, will evolve into even greater pleasure in 5-6 years.
The body is full, round with beautiful texture. There is nice mix of perfectly ripe red & dark fruits with excellent blue fruits that hover around the plate. Gentle, soft wood use and subtle baking spices. This bottling walks the tightrope of Burgundy with its perfect waterfall acidity and round, soft structure and has Californian well ripen fruits.
He is one of few Southern California producers that doesn’t over extract and brings out those wonderful blue fruits I love in good Pinot Noirs.
Paul’s cousin was also nice to pour us a glass of one of their 2011 Chardonnays that was really beautiful and drinking at its peak. I didn’t get the vineyard designation as it was at the end of the event and security was being aggressive about clearing the hall. But, again, a beautifully textured Chardonnay that was round with beautiful fruit, great acidity and just the right amount of heather-honey notes. 9.5 on the Chardonnay.
Nice meeting Paul Lato and talking about his wines.
This Zotovich Vineyard offering is delicious young but, will evolve into even greater pleasure in 5-6 years.
The body is full, round with beautiful texture. There is nice mix of perfectly ripe red & dark fruits with excellent blue fruits that hover around the plate. Gentle, soft wood use and subtle baking spices. This bottling walks the tightrope of Burgundy with its perfect waterfall acidity and round, soft structure and has Californian well ripen fruits.
He is one of few Southern California producers that doesn’t over extract and brings out those wonderful blue fruits I love in good Pinot Noirs.
Paul’s cousin was also nice to pour us a glass of one of their 2011 Chardonnays that was really beautiful and drinking at its peak. I didn’t get the vineyard designation as it was at the end of the event and security was being aggressive about clearing the hall. But, again, a beautifully textured Chardonnay that was round with beautiful fruit, great acidity and just the right amount of heather-honey notes. 9.5 on the Chardonnay.
WNH event number 3...new world Pinot. Such a treat to experience the many different variations of Pinot!
Another surprise of the night for me. I’ve only had their Syrahs before. Lots of crushed potpourri and underripe red fruit on the nose with a darker palate of violets, black cherry and plum. I need to get some of these. Awesome bottle, @Bill Bender .
WNH event number 3...new world Pinot. Such a treat to experience the many different variations of Pinot!
Another surprise of the night for me. I’ve only had their Syrahs before. Lots of crushed potpourri and underripe red fruit on the nose with a darker palate of violets, black cherry and plum. I need to get some of these. Awesome bottle, @Bill Bender .
Smooth sailing ⛵️ these Paul Lato pinots seem to really hit their stride after 5+ years in the bottle.
Smooth sailing ⛵️ these Paul Lato pinots seem to really hit their stride after 5+ years in the bottle.
Sep 14th, 2017Perfumed nose of anise and clove, garnet hues and plump sweet fruit. The age has dialed this back and made it more polished. It's no longer a monster fruit bomb. Still fruit driven but not fruit dominated.
Perfumed nose of anise and clove, garnet hues and plump sweet fruit. The age has dialed this back and made it more polished. It's no longer a monster fruit bomb. Still fruit driven but not fruit dominated.
Jun 26th, 2017
Awesome Pinot! Black cherry, spice and pepper. Just delightful.
Awesome Pinot! Black cherry, spice and pepper. Just delightful.
Mar 13th, 2016Even better on a 3 liter.3
Even better on a 3 liter.3
Mar 1st, 2014
