If you follow Robert Parker, or virtually any of the top wine publications in the US, chances are you’ve made note of Paul Lato. Paul is a Sommelier who moved to the Central Coast of California in the early 2000’s and began working in the cellar at Bien Nacido.
As it turns out Paul is a naturally gifted winemaker and he produced his first 6 barrels of wine in 2002.
PAUL LATO WINES
2017 “MATINEE”
PINOT NOIR
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
When Robert Parker got a whiff of his wine, he told Paul that he had tremendous talent, and to hurry up and name it, because he wanted to be the first to write about it.
Since then, the wine has earned countless scores in the high 90’s and it’s absolutely some of the best Pinot Noir being produced in California. The Paul Lato single vineyard Pinots are nearly impossible to find and go for $70-$90/btl.
At $44, his 2017 Matinee Pinot Noir in all honestly, is one of THE best Pinots we’ve tasted this year in the under fifty range. Pinot Noir fans really need to try it.
Artfully composed from three iconic vineyards including Sierra Madre, John Sebastiano, and Zotovich, the 2017 perfectly articulates just how great Pinot Noir can be from the Central Coast, and at $44, Paul Lato competes with any of the best Pinots produced anywhere in CA.
The wine was made in a showy and compelling style that offers a burst of red berries, garden rose, spices, and cola. Trust me on this one…
PAUL LATO WINES
2017 “MATINEE”
PINOT NOIR
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY
Members’ price: $44 per bottle
Winery Notes: “Fresh vibrant color with medium intensity. The nose is gracefully perfumed with aromas of raspberry, strawberry, and delicate rose petals. This wine is elegant and flavorful, with a touch of spice and smooth tannin. Ready to drink now in its exuberant youth, but will improve over the next 5 to 7 years.”
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Customers that enjoy Paul Lato’s “Matinee” Pinot Noir, may also enjoy these two outstanding Pinots…
SONNET
2016 PINOT NOIR
TONDRE’S GRAPEFIELD
SANTA LUCIA HIGHLANDS
Retails at: $45.00 per bottle
Members price: $39.99
Sonnet’s Tondre’s Grapefield Pinot Noir comes from an incredible site that neighbors the iconic Garys’ Vineyard. And it’s appropriately named, with a perfume so muse-worthy that it makes it easy to wax poetic about. One twirl of the glass unleashes a burst of red cherries woven throughout with wild rose petals, fresh violets and spices. On the palate the wine is plush and satiny with perfect balance, and after tasting the 2016, you’ll want to get yours before the reviews. Pinot fans will be thrilled with this wine.
CRU9
2017 “IRREVERENT”
PINOT NOIR
RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY
Retails at: $50.00 per bottle
Insider Members’ Price
Tasting Notes: “A captivating Pinot Noir with a gorgeous nose of mountain strawberries, ripe raspberries, cola and dried Spring flowers. On the palate, it is supple and lush with mixed berries, red plum, tart cranberry, tangerine peel and a beautifully long finish that lingers. An amazing wine that drinks great now, but has enough structure to cellar for a decade or so.”
93 Points, Kevin M. Vogt, Master Sommelier
