"The 2023 wines are not critically reviewed yet...

"The 2023 wines are not critically reviewed yet...

"The 2023 wines are not critically reviewed yet...

"The 2023 wines are not critically reviewed yet...

"The 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Two Wolves Vineyard O Sole Mio is an appealing, vibrant wine from Paul Lato. Lemon confit, white flowers, crushed rocks. sage, tomato leaf and light tropical notes all run through. This has good energy and plenty of drive to match. (Drink between 2024-2027).  These are some of the very best wines I have tasted in all the years I’ve followed Paul Lato. The Chardonnays are particularly terrific. There’s a bit more focus and tension in the whites these days, which makes the wines not only delicious but also more versatile at the dinner table. The Pinots are on the lighter side, a reflection of both the growing season and the decisions Lato made in response to those conditions. “We chose lighter extractions because we had mold in the vineyards that required spraying and constant diligence to keep in check. We did not want to push too hard,” Lato explained. Despite all of his success and experience, Lato retains the passion, ambition and enthusiasm more often found in younger professionals who are just getting started. The wines this year are truly memorable." -Vinous, 92VM

No reviews of the 2023 vintage yet...

No reviews of the 2023 vintage yet...

"The 2022 Chardonnay Peake Ranch Vineyard Ma Jolie is a wine of substance and textural richness. Apricot, peach, chamomile, spice and a touch of reduction all grace this ample, large-scaled Chardonnay. It will be interesting to see how this develops in the coming years. I would give this a year or two in bottle, as it is pretty tightly wound today. (Drink between 2024-2030). These are some of the very best wines I have tasted in all the years I’ve followed Paul Lato. The Chardonnays are particularly terrific. There’s a bit more focus and tension in the whites these days, which makes the wines not only delicious but also more versatile at the dinner table. The Pinots are on the lighter side, a reflection of both the growing season and the decisions Lato made in response to those conditions. “We chose lighter extractions because we had mold in the vineyards that required spraying and constant diligence to keep in check. We did not want to push too hard,” Lato explained. Despite all of his success and experience, Lato retains the passion, ambition and enthusiasm more often found in younger professionals who are just getting started. The wines this year are truly memorable." Antonio Galloni, 92VM

"The 2021 Pinot Noir Drum Canyon Vineyard Stand by Me is deep, powerful and authoritative, with tons of textural resonance and class to burn. Dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, leather, menthol and licorice build effortlessly. There's terrific mid-palate density and fine, fine balance. Gorgeous. (Drink between 2024-2033)." -Antonio Galloni, 95VM

Still awating 2023 reviews

"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. (Drink between 2024-2035)." -Jeb Dunnuck, 96+JD

Wine Enthusiast's #13 Wine of the Year, 2024

"Lavish and intense aromas of Luxardo cherry, toasted spices and warm cherry pie draw the nose into this single-vineyard expression. There's crunchiness to the black raspberry base of the palate, where the fresh texture creates a fantastic sensation that goes beyond mere fruit and spice flavors" -Matt Kettmann, 98WE

"The 2022 Letters to Europe is based on equal parts Grenache and Syrah and was completely destemmed and saw 20 months in a combination of concrete and 50% new barrels. Its translucent ruby hue is followed by a pretty, floral, delicate wine that has ample strawberry and raspberry-like fruit, some floral, spicy nuances, medium body, and a graceful mouthfeel. The Syrah comes through with air, it has some meaty, bacon fat nuances, and it’s just such a joy to drink. It needs a decant if drinking any time soon, and I see no reason it shouldn't evolve gracefully for 10-12 years, although I love its vibrant fruit today. (Drink between 2024-2036)" -Jeb Dunnuck, 94JD

"The 2022 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is more elegant and mid-weight compared to the Larner Vineyard, offering a beautiful Côte Rôtie perfume of black raspberries, spring flowers, game, pepper, and even a kiss of bacon fat. With medium-bodied richness, a pure, elegant, seamless mouthfeel, soft tannins, and outstanding length, it's a joy to drink today yet should continue drinking fabulously well through 2032. It doesn't match the all-time greats of this cuvée, but it's a gorgeous Syrah nevertheless. (Drink between 2024-2032)" -Vinous, 94VM

"It's always fun to taste the Space Cadet cuvée after tasting the two Grenache and Syrah releases, as this cuvée is a blend from both sites and both varieties. The 2022 Space Cadet is 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache that spent the first 6 months in concrete eggs followed by 14 months in 50% new French oak. Sporting an opaque ruby hue as well as classic Syrah notes of gamey blackberry-like fruit intermixed with notions of smoked meat, pepper, violets and leather. Hitting the palate with medium-bodied richness, a nicely balanced, layered mouthfeel, plenty of underlying tannins and structure, and a great finish, it's another wine from Lato that benefits from air. It will ideally be given a year or two of bottle age and enjoyed through 2034. (Drink between 2025-2034)" -Jeb Dunnuck, 94JD

"The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Festina Lente is sourced from Luc and Jodie Morlet's Coeur du Vallée vineyard in the heart of Oakville. Floral and nicely lifted, the 2021 is all class. Readers will find an understated, gracious valley floor Cabernet build on mid-weight structure and polish. All this needs is more Oakville character. Bright red-toned fruit, cedar, spice and dried herbs linger nicely. (Drink between 2024-2034)" -Vinous, 94VM