2023 Paul Lato Pinot Noir “Lancelot”, Pisoni Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands

San Francisco Wine Panel Score 98+ Points

Pisoni is among the most powerful and age worthy of California’s Pinot Noir vineyards yet 2023 has brought forth a rarely seen elegance.  The nose betrays the wine’s structure and obvious youth, yet its focused aromas of boysenberry, black cherry, cranberry sauce, peppercorn, chalky minerality and toasted rosemary seem at once heady rich and, surprisingly, texturally delicate. That harmony of parts is just as surprising on the palate, where the flavors beautifully mimic the aromas but are concentrated and more tightly wound. The finish is impressively long and notably mineral, with a sea shell undercurrent which makes the tannin rich finish seem lean despite notable dense fruit. An obvious choice right now for service with seared duck breast or Peking Duck, it is certainly five years from showing all it has in store.