2020 Paul Lato Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard
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The 2020 Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard comes from 39-year-old vines planted by Gary Pisoni and was matured for 16 months in 60% new French oak. It's scented of red apples, jasmine and lemon meringue with flinty touches. The medium-bodied palate balances intense fruit and a satiny texture with energetic acidity and boasts a long, spice-laced finish. 99 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Coming from the Santa Lucia Highlands and brought up in 60% new French oak, the 2020 Chardonnay East of Eden Pisoni Vineyard is another stunner, offering a mineral-laced bouquet of stone fruits, chalky minerality, white flowers, and toasted bread. With incredible purity, medium to full body, and perfectly integrated acidity, it brings remarkable intensity and richness while staying vibrant, balanced, and light on its feet, with flawless balance. It picks up a liqueur of rocks-like sensation aromatically and on the palate with time in the glass (I followed this bottle for multiple days) and will drink brilliantly over the coming 7-8 years, although there's no need to delay gratification.
The 2020 Chardonnay Pisoni Vineyard East of Eden is precise, nuanced and full of character. The 2020 has a bit more freshens than is often the case, but that is not a bad thing. There's a bit of vintage 2020 edginess, typical for a year in which fruit was picked very early, but all things considered, this a strong showing. Hints of lemon peel, white flowers, mint and tangerine oil linger. (AG)