2008 Paul Lato Suerte Solomon Hills Pinot Noir

Paul Lato was a sommelier at some of Toronto's best restaurants when Jim Clendenen of Au Bon Climat invited him to the Central Coast to help with the 1996 harvest. Lato returned to Toronto, but he'd been entranced with the idea of making wine. In 2002 Lato packed up and moved permanently to the Central Coast, where he worked as a cellar rat and made small amounts of his own wine on the side. His first vintages were praised by Robert M. Parker Jr. and other reviewers, and since then he has continued to make small amounts of Pinot Noir, Syrah and Chardonnay in Santa Maria from grapes sourced in Santa Rita, Santa Ynez Valley and the Santa Maria Valley. Though he makes only about 500 cases a year, Lato has earned a reputation for excellence. Robert M. Parker Jr. has generally rated Lato’s wines between 90 and 95 pts and notes that “Lato’s passion and impeccable attention to detail have resulted in some outstanding wines.” Lato's wines are usually available only by mailing list.

Santa Barbara County is not an AVA, but a region just south of San Luis Obispo that includes the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Maria Valley appellations. Wine has been produced in the area since the 18th century when Spanish missionaries planted vineyards. It wasn’t until the 1990s, however, that producers focused on growing premier grapes for fine wines. During the 1990s more than 10,000 acres of vineyards were planted, and today there are nearly 20,000 acres of vineyards. The region received a big bump in recognition and prestige when the popular film “Sideways” was shot there in 2004. Because the region is affected by maritime weather, it is relatively cool climate makes it ideal for Chardonnay. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir and an increasingly adventuresome number of varietals are also grown successfully in Santa Barbara County.

This red wine is relatively light and can pair with a wide variety of foods. The grape prefers cooler climates and the wine is most often associated with Burgundy, Champagne and the U.S. west coast. Regional differences make it nearly as fickle as it is flexible.