2020 Paul Lato - Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard Magic Moments

The 2020 Pinot Noir Magic Moments Hyde Vineyard comes from Carneros and is outside the scope of this report (and will be covered by my colleague Audrey Frick going forward), but I'm always happy to taste these wines and have opted to include this review. Revealing a translucent ruby hue as well as bright, juicy cherry and mulberry-like fruits, it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a more focused, firm texture, good overall balance, and outstanding length. It shows the more challenging style of the vintage in the North Coast and lacks the seamlessness and balance of the other releases, although it's clearly still an outstanding wine.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Hyde Vineyard Magic Moments opens with a good burst of sweet red/purplish berry fruit. It's hard to get past the angular contours, lack of depth and overall awkward balance. That said, this is a strong effort in very difficult year.

The 2020 Pinot Noir Magic Moments Hyde Vineyard comes from vines planted in 1979. Fruit was harvested just after the fires started (along with the Hyde Chardonnay) and was matured for 16 months in 66% new French oak. It has a pale ruby color and a core of red cherries with touches of underbrush, mint, flint and allspice. The palate is pleasantly rustic in style with gently chewy tannins, rounded acidity and a long, earthy finish.