2018 Paul Lato Chardonnay "Goldberg Variations" No. 1 Hyde Vineyard

From the cooler Carneros region of Napa Valley, the 2018 Goldberg Variations Hyde Vineyard is another Chardonnay that’s up with the crème de la crème of California. Lots of ripe peach and nectarine fruits, subtle tropical notes, plenty of spice and brioche, medium to full-bodied richness, and a juicy, lengthy finish all make for a killer wine to enjoy 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.

The 2018 Chardonnay Hyde Vineyard Goldberg Variations No. 1 is a very pretty wine. Paul Lato presents a Chardonnay that is distinctly laid back for Hyde, where the wines tend to be more opulent and honeyed in style. Hints of pineapple, tangerine oil, white flowers and a kiss of new French oak add a tropical flair to this mid-weight, classy Chardonnay.