2018 Paul Lato Chardonnay Ma Jolie Peake Ranch Vineyard

Another new wine in the lineup, the 2018 Chardonnay Ma Jolie Peake Ranch Vineyard is from a vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and was aged 16 months in 50% new French oak. Beautiful white peach and orchard fruit as well as plenty of crushed stone, iodine, and toasted bread notes emerge from the glass. It's another rich, full-bodied effort with good acidity, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a blockbuster of a finish. Drink this beauty over the coming 5-7 years. A great California success story, Polish immigrant Paul Lato started as a cellar hand in a Santa Maria co-op/custom crush and has worked his way up to being one of the leading producers of artisanal, world class wines in California today. Lato fashions a bevy of wines (I would normally say too many, yet given the quality he’s able to achieve, the more the merrier) including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These aren’t lightweight wines, yet they never lose their sense of balance and elegance. I always describe the wines as having a slightly Old World style, but with one foot planted firmly in California. As I hope the reviews show, his 2018s are incredible wines across the board.