Paul Lato’s journey to being one of the best winemakers in California is something that could be turned into a movie. Born and raised in Krakow, Paul escaped Poland in the late 1980’s as the Berlin Wall was falling, settling briefly in Spain and then onto Toronto where he became a decorated Sommelier in the city's best restaurant. In 1996, Paul traveled to California’s Central Coast to experience his first harvest which immediately planted a seed in his mind that making wine was to be his true calling. In 2002, Paul brought all his possessions and life savings with him from Canada to begin following this dream. Starting with a mere two barrels each of Pinot Noir and Syrah, Paul was discovered by the great Robert Parker even before he had decided on what was to be the name of his brand. Fast forward to today, Paul makes close to 2,000 cases total showcasing his incredible talents making Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah and Grenache from some of the superlative vineyards in California. These are seamless and soulful wines made with little to no intervention. Truly inspired visions from a master!
The Santa Rita Hills AVA is relatively young, only formally established in 2001. It boasts a rare (for California) east-west valley, stretching approximately from Highway 1 to Highway 101. This channel ensures that cooling maritime influences blanket the AVA with moderating, crisp weather, ideal for world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Located just 10 miles from the Pacific Ocean at 500 feet in elevation, the Sebastiano Vineyard is one of Sta. Rita Hills’ most exciting plantings, as it sits along the eastern border of the AVA. The site’s 100-acres of vines were planted in 2007 and benefit from a myriad of exposures and marine influences, which together with premium clonal selection and high-density planting, produce exceptionally small clusters and berries. The result is voluptuous, dark and extracted wines of substantial weight and complexity.
Paul's rendition will make you happily dream of a 1er Cru Pommard from Burgundy. This wine is deep, powerful and racy. Prominent dark fruit characteristics shine with ample cassis, black raspberry, subtle oak, notes of lavender and violets. A cab lover’s pinot, nearly full-bodied with noticeable spice emerging from the glass.
"Brought up in 65% new French oak barrels for 15 months, the 2018 Atticus Pinot Noir from the John Sebastiano Vineyard is a slightly deeper hued release and gives up lots of black raspberry and spiced strawberry fruit as well as subtle background oak, plenty of spice, orange, and incense notes, medium to full body, and bright yet integrated acidity. It's another wine that's going to benefit from another year in bottle and shine for 7-8 years or more." ~Jeb Dunnuck, 97pts
We were truly struck by this amazing Pinot Noir from Paul’s portfolio. It is a true thing of beauty ~ you must see for yourself. Only 6 barrels made.
