2021 Paul Lato Chardonnay Belle de jour Chapel
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The 2021 Chardonnay Belle de Jour comes from 30-year-old vines in the Chapel Vineyard (formerly known as the Huber Vineyard). Half the wine went through malolactic conversion, and it was matured in 50% new French oak for 16 months. The nose opens with youthful matchstick, toast and baking spice before giving way to a savory core of yellow apples, mushroom and beeswax. The palate is silky and vibrant, its youthfully coiled fruit driven by focused acidity, and it has a long, flinty finish. It will benefit from 2-3+ years in bottle. Just 84 cases were made.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate
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The 2021 Chardonnay Chapel Vineyard Belle de Jour is a super-elegant wine. Partial malolactic fermentation keeps the flavors bright. This is a very special wine from a special site that shows just how compelling Chardonnay is in the Sta. Rita Hills. Citrus peel, white flowers and mint add character to a finish infused with energy and tension.