January 24, 2024 - 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.
November 18, 2023 - Enjoyable and well made but a bit underwhelming. Not sure if it is already showing age, but it lacked intensity for a wine of this caliber.
August 19, 2023 - Served at cellar temperature and warmed slightly from there as the bottle was drained. Light lemon yellow color with a tinge of green. Quite complex nose with florals, vanilla, lemongrass, white peach and light perfume. Good acidity (medium+). Only slightly creamy, if at all…is it partial malo or lees aging? Palate is quite seamless with the flavors just drifting from the attack through the finish. Long and elegant with a light texture but full flavors density. Lovely wine!
August 11, 2023 - Minerality and sea breeze on the nose. Stone fruit - peaches & apricot. Really great with roasted chicken. This is on the expensive side for what it is, but it is delicious nonetheless!
August 10, 2023 - Short note as had this a couple of weeks ago so catching up. Love Paul Lato and this was excellent. Great balance of fruit and acidity
March 26, 2023 - Not much to complain about, other than I wish I had more. Very crisp nose, a hint of oak, and just the right amount of acid. Definitely on par with Peter Michael chards.
December 29, 2022 - Simply an extravagant Chardonnay that combines one of the great vineyard sources with the talents of a brilliant winemaker in Paul Lato. The wonderful expression of this wine is pure opulence - soft orchard fruit, perfect acidity and an incredible mouthfeel are on display. The wine is like a cloud on the palate with a deft touch of oak that adds dimension and complexity. Some sense of soft tropical influence - ripe papaya or mango. From the texture to the flavor profile and finish, this is an exceptional wine. Earned compliments around the room for the quality and great drinking experieince.
December 26, 2022 - Rich and creamy with a lot of zing. Citrus, orchids, vanilla/coconut, apples.
September 24, 2022 - Crisp, lemon zest, star fruit, hints of lime, lovely nose, mouthfeel, and finish. So refreshing!
May 2, 2022 - So complex and so young! This wine was paired with strawberry, basil and goat cheese bruschetta and did very well with this. This wine has a lot of acidity up front and then goes to a nice robust and balanced, rounded finish. And given that the bruschetta really showed the vibrant zip of the strawberry up front and the rounded quality of the goat cheese on the finish, the wine complemented perfectly. Starts with stone ground yellow fruit, Asian pear and white peach, with vibrant tangy character up front. Almost thought I was getting a raspberry or dirty strawberry sorbet note but that could have definitely been the bruschetta (Don't you just love it when the lines between food and wine pairings begin to blur?). The dried herb character which developed in the mid-palate really went well with the basil in the bruschetta. Finished with rounded opulence, stiff oak tannin but white pepper spiciness. Lots of layers here and the bruschetta really helped this express very well. I do believe that this will continue to age very well in the bottle. There is really no hurry to drink this one over the next 5 to 7 years, but if you have this one in your collection (unfortunately it was my one and only), I am jealous! I would probably drink one now to see where it is, can plan on drinking the others over the coming 7 yr or so!