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97 WA.
"One of the standouts in this stacked lineup was the 2013 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard. Aged 16 months in 70% new French oak and the greatest Pinot Noir I've tasted from this vineyard, it offers incredible notes of cassis, raspberries, dried earth, spice and that classic saltiness that's so common from the Sta. Rita Hills. Full-bodied, layered, multi-dimensional and elegant, with perfectly integrated acidity and polished tannin, it's a fabulous Pinot Noir that will have more than a decade of longevity. Unfortunately, there were only eight barrels produced. At the top of the heap with regard to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, Paul Lato continues to focus on small yields and tiny production cuvees from his base in the Santa Maria co-op. While the rage these days is harvesting early and chasing Burgundy-like textures and flavors, Paul’s wines make a mockery of this approach and offer sensational texture, purity and freshness, without giving up on the incredible fruit that makes California so special. They’re made in tiny qualities, but don’t miss these 2013s; this is the best vintage from Paul to date. They’re well worth the extra effort the track down." Wine Advocate #220, Aug 2015 |