Paul Lato, 'Matinee' Chardonnay Santa Barbara County 2020

Vinous Reverie Notes
Paul Lato was born and raised in Krakow then settled briefly in Spain and then onto Toronto where he became a decorated sommelier in the best restaurant in Toronto. In 1996, he went to California’s central coast at the invitation of Jim Clendenen at Au Bon Climat to work that harvest and decided on becoming a winemaker. Starting with 2 barrels each of Pinot Noir and Syrah, Paul was discovered by Robert Parker even before he had decided on what was to be the name of his winery. Fast forward to today and Paul makes close to 2,000 case of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Grenache from some of the best vineyards in Southern California. His “Matinee” Chardonnay shows aromas of creamy golden apple and honeydew melon. It's full bodied on the palate with notes of wet stone, yuzu lemon but with perfectly balanced acidity. Long, focused finish showcases bright citrus and vanilla spice coming from French oak ageing.