Wine Critic
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PAUL LATO 'Le Souvenir' Sierra Madre Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 2017
Robert Parker The Wine Advocate
Grapes for this wine come from a parcel of 24-year-old vines planted in sandy soils, and the wine was aged 15 months in 60% new French oak. Youthfully coiled, the 2017 Chardonnay le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard has a mineral-driven nose that slowly, slowly opens up to saline, crushed shell, white peach, tiny touches of baking spice and nutmeg coming through from the amazingly integrated 75% new oak, lime skin, dried hay and leaves, elderflower and lemon curd—so, so many layers. Medium to full-bodied, it has a backbone of that signature pixelated texture and juicy acidity with layer upon flavor layer blossoming in the mouth, finishing very, very long and full of energy. Wow! Absolutely world class Chardonnay. That texture is unreal. 315 cases were made." - Reviewed by: Erin Brooks