97 Points                                                              
Limited new Pinot Noir from cult producer Paul Lato.  Limited.

96 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "Wild strawberries, rose petals, forest floor, and orange blossom are just some of the nuances in the Paul Lato 2021 Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard, a beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied, spicy, floral Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir. It has the same level of purity and elegance found in the other efforts here and is a joy to drink. Completely destemmed and aged 17 months in two-thirds new French oak, it will have a solid 7-8 years of longevity, but don't be afraid to open bottles."

...A great California success story, Polish immigrant Paul Lato started as a cellar hand in a Santa Maria co-op/custom crush and has worked his way up to being one of the leading producers of artisanal, world class wines in California today. Lato fashions a bevy of wines (I would normally say too many, yet given the quality he’s able to achieve, the more the merrier) including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These aren’t lightweight wines, yet they never lose their sense of balance and elegance. I always describe the wines as having a slightly Old World style, but with one foot planted firmly in California. As I hope the reviews show, his 2018s are incredible wines across the board."

Robert Parker: "...I continue to be blown away by the wines of Paul Lato, and these are unquestionably some of the most profound and exciting wines coming from the Central Coast today. The lineup has grown substantially over the past decade, and Lato now releases upwards of five Chardonnays, six Pinot Noirs, two Grenaches, three Syrahs, a Sauvignon Blanc, and a Malvasia. Despite the number of wines, quality hasn’t slipped an inch, and the wines show incredible site and varietal typicity always paired with sensational fruit and balance. In short, don’t miss these wines!"