2012 Paul Lato Pinot Noir Hilliard-Bruce Vineyard Alegria
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Tasting notes
A smoking Pinot Noir, Lato’s 2012 Pinot Noir Happiness Hilliard Bruce Vineyard sports a deep ruby color to go with incredible aromas and flavors of raspberries, cola, dried spices and assorted floral nuances that continue to develop with time in the glass. Coming from clones 667, 777 and Calera, it has a gorgeous richness and depth, yet stays elegant, lively and pure, with a core of sweet fruit and a clean finish. There’s an almost Burgundian-like quality here, yet it has fabulous fruit and texture. Enjoy this beauty over the coming 7-8 years or so. One of my favorite producers in the Central Coast, Paul Lato continues to make thrilling Pinot Noirs and Syrahs that have texture, richness and depth while never seeming heavy or cumbersome. These are gorgeous wines across the board and you can’t go wrong here. Tel. (805) 260-3210; www.paullatowines.com
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Pinot Noir Happiness Hilliard Bruce Vineyard captures the essence of this great Sta. Rita Hills site. Racy and beautifully textured, the 2012 races across the palate with black cherry, plum, spice, violets and menthol, all in a pliant, expressive style that offers considerable immediacy, among many other virtues. Attractive spiced overtones add nuance on the close.