2022 Paul Lato Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Opening with a red-fruited, saline-driven nose, the 2022 Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard takes on a dramatically more plush, layered personality on the palate. Its intensely luscious, powerful fruit flavors border on sweetness before recoiling into a high-toned, energetic finish that recalls the vivacity of the nose. The relative youth of the vines here in comparison to Lato's other Pinot Noir expressions leads to a less multifaceted expression, but his winemaking skills nevertheless produce a compelling product.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2022 Pinot Noir Victor Francis Peake Ranch Vineyard comes from a great site in the Sta. Rita Hills and was all destemmed and raised in 65% new French oak for 17 months. Its medium ruby hue is followed by a pretty, medium-bodied, elegant Pinot Noir offering ample darker raspberry and redcurrant fruit as well as some spicy, underbrush, foresty, and savory nuances. Playing in the medium-bodied portion of the spectrum, it's charming, has ripe, polished tannins, a good spine of acidity, and outstanding length. I love its overall balance, and while it's certainly mid-weight, it has acidity and structure, and it gains richness with air. Give it a year or two and enjoy through 2032.
The 2022 Pinot Noir Peake Ranch Vineyard Victor Francis is one of the more floral wines in this range. Crushed flowers, spice, red cherry fruit, blood orange and dried herbs open first. The 2022 is pretty and quite attractive, but it lacks the dimension or layered quality of the very best years. I would prefer to drink this over the near and medium term.