2008 Paul Lato Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard

The deep ruby/plum-hued 2008 Pinot Noir Suerte Vineyard is made from the newer Dijon clones 115, 777, and 667. It offers sweet, ripe black cherry, strawberry and raspberry fruit intermixed with loamy, dusty soil and underbrush notes. Round, pure and precise with good acidity, sweet tannin and a long, medium to full-bodied finish, it is another exquisite Pinot Noir from Paul Lato that ranks just behind his 2008 Lancelot Pisoni Vineyard cuvee. Paul Lato is one of the up-and-coming superstars of California’s Central Coast. I reviewed his Syrah cuvees in the Central Coast report published in issue #190 (8-31-10). It appears Lato’s first love is Pinot Noir, and in a few short years he has proven what meticulous/perfectionist techniques can bring from a young man obsessed by wine. His future looks bright and this is one of the wonderful wine stories of the year. www.paullatowines.com