Paul Lato "Seabiscuit" Zotovich Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

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.

Hans Hickler

Wow!