2017 Paul Lato Grenache Ora de Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
Coming from an ocean-influenced site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2017 Grenache Ora Et Labora offers more black raspberry, cassis, crushed stone, and seaside, sea breeze-like hints as well as plenty of violets and flowery incense notes. Medium to full-bodied, it has the classic Bien Nacido structure, ripe tannins, and a great finish. Where the Lumiere Larner Vineyard is all about elegance and charm, this is more burly, masculine and structured. 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!
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Grenache Ora et Labora offers terrific density and textural richness, but it is also going to need at least a year or two to be at its very best. The aromatics in particular are not as open or expressive as they undoubtedly will be in a few years' time. Even so, the wine's textural depth, persistence and balance are those of a first-rate wine. The 2017 was done with a touch of whole clusters, which adds layers of nuance that will emerge more fully over time. This is such a gorgeous wine from Paul Lato.