2012 Paul Lato "Suerte - Solomon Hills Vineyard" Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noir
SKU #1164520
96 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Even better, the 2012 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard has a vibrant, perfumed and beautifully clear personality that has more than a passing resemblance to a Grand Cru Burgundy. Darker berry fruits, spice-box, licorice, mint and exotic floral nuances are all present here, and it hits the palate with a voluptuous texture that carries bright acidity, ripe tannin and full-bodied richness. From a cool site that lies within sight of the Pacific Ocean, it has both richness and freshness, and will have over a decade of longevity. It’s a fabulous bottle of Pinot Noir! One of my favorite producers in the Central Coast, Paul Lato continues to make thrilling Pinot Noirs and Syrahs that have texture, richness and depth while never seeming heavy or cumbersome. These are gorgeous wines across the board and you can’t go wrong here. (JD)
(8/2014)
93 points
Vinous
The 2012 Pinot Noir Suerte Solomon Hills Vineyard has lovely depth and density to it. Plum, black cherry, lavender, menthol and spice notes flesh out in a supple, resonant wine with good depth and body. Lavender, graphite, mint and blueberries linger on the pretty, nuanced finish. (AG)
(7/2014)
92 points
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright ruby-red. Intense cherry and dark berry aromas are complicated by cola, mocha and smoky Indian spices. Chewy and precise on the palate, offering bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors and an invigorating jolt of peppery spices. Closes sappy and long, with a hint of bitter chocolate and smooth tannins. (JR)
(12/2014)
K&L Notes
This Pinot has consistently scored 93-96 points in Wine Advocate for the past seven vintages, and as we all know, 2012 is being called a blockbuster vintage up and down the coast of California. From the winery: "Solomon Hills is a stunning, one-of-a-kind property, and this wine captures that in its distinction amongst my Santa Maria Valley Pinot Noirs. Highly complex,compact and uniformed, notes of strawberry, rose petal, and gunpowder work together wholesomely. The ripe fruit flavors of wild raspberry are supported by beautiful acid: intensity meets elegance. From day-one of harvest, this fruit impressed me tremendously, and it remains multifaceted in the bottle. Great Wine."
