2018 Paul Lato Grenache ‘Lumiere’ Larner Vyd. Ballard Canyon

“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 including Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, 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. Incredible wines across the board.” Jeb Dunnuck

Paul Lato: All the greatest wines possess authenticity, harmony, and elegance. These are the qualities I constantly try to capture in my wines. The ultimate goal is to create wines that are seamless and textural with enough structure and balance to complement fine cuisine. In order to make wines of the highest caliber, I select unique vineyards that are cared for by talented vineyard managers committed to excellence. I strive to locate and source from not only the best vineyards but the best blocks within each of these vineyards. I do believe that true artisanal winemaking is based on intuition, sensitivity and passion. Keeping the lots small allows for gentle handling throughout the winemaking process.

WA96+ The 2018 Grenache Lumiere Larner Vineyard from Paul Lato is pure, vibrant and stunning, detailed and elegant like a fine Pinot Noir. Pale to medium ruby-purple in color, the nose offers loads of spicy nuances with notes of aniseed, dried leaves, blood orange and a core of sweet berry fruits. The medium-bodied palate bursts with juicy, spicy, detailed fruits, finely grained and finishing very long and pure. Wow!