2017 Paul Lato Pinot Noir Zotovich Vineyard Seabiscuit
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As with all Lato's Pinot Noirs, the 2017 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard was completely destemmed, and this cuvée was brought up in 60% new French oak, which is on the higher end for Lato. This rich, medium to full-bodied, Burgundian styled effort is another wine that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring yet offers a brilliant bouquet of black raspberries, ground herbs, earth, and underbrush notes, with just a hint of classic Sta. Rita Hills salinity and minerality. Showing more floral nuances with time in the glass, give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and it will shine through 2032. 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!
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit is laced with crushed red berry, rose petal, mint and sweet spice. Airy and light on its feet, with tremendous perfume, the Seabiscuit is the most delicate and gracious wine in the range. The 2017 offers a super appealing mix of brightness and energy. Best of all, it will drink well upon release.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard comes from 17-year-old vines planted in diatomaceous earth and sandy loam, and the wine aged for 17 months in 60% new French oak. It's medium ruby-purple in the glass and gives up wonderfully pure aromas of blueberries, spiced cranberry sauce, rhubarb, red cherry, raspberry and strawberry preserves, black cherries, peppered charcuterie, woodsmoke, dried rose petal and orange peel. Light to medium-bodied, it explodes in the mouth with flavor layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and juicy freshness and finishes long, spicy and energetic. A powerful but elegant expression. 300 cases were made.