2011 Paul Lato Pinot Noir The Prospect Sierra Madre Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(all Dijon clones 115 and 667): Bright violet color. Intense, spice-accented aromas of red berry preserves, potpourri and cola, with a smoky overtone. Silky and sweet on the palate, offering vibrant raspberry and cherry-vanilla flavors and a bracing note of orange zest. Takes a darker turn on the gently tannic finish, which leaves spicecake and candied rose notes behind.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Pinot Noir Prospect Sierra Madre Vineyard, which comes from 15-year-old vines, was fully destemmed and aged on lees for a year before being moved to 50% new French oak for 15 months. Brilliantly styled, with bright black cherry, blueberry, hints of leather, forest floor and edgy minerality, it is totally thrilling on the palate and has medium-bodied richness, great mid-palate depth and a seamless, pure texture. It will drink nicely for 10-12 years, yet it’s hard to resist even now. Drink 2014-2023. Paul Lato continues to knock it out of the park and I can’t say enough about the quality coming from this estate. Across the board, the wines show classic, varietally correct profiles that always show finesse and elegance, yet back it up with layers of fruit and texture. Tel. (805) 260-3210; www.paullatowines.com
One of the juicier, fleshier wines in the range, the 2011 Pinot Noir The Prospect Sierra Madre Vineyard is laced with plums, black cherry and menthol. Expressive spiced notes appear later, followed by a hint of orange peel, both of which add an exotic flourish on the close.