Paul Lato Chardonnay “Goldberg Variations” # 4, Hyde Vineyard, Carneros

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 99 Points

Absolutely seductive in its combination of gracefully expressed fruit and sweet-natured oaky spice, the nose of this already lovely Chardonnay delivers aromas of sweet golden apple, nectarine, lemon curd, fresh coconut, hazelnut meringue and vanilla wafer. It is luxuriously rich and wonderfully palate-coating in the mouth, where the weight of the flavors seems amplified, even as the wines texture offers noble elegance. Although it is still a bit youthfully coiled in expression, it has the zest to easily balance its richness and delivers a wonderfully satisfying, lingering finish where all the elements can be noted. Terrific now, it should be close to glorious in another three years and beyond. 135 cases produced.