Paul Lato East of Eden Chardonnay 2022 - 750ml

97pts Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Chardonnay East Of Eden Pisoni Vineyard comes from a great vineyard in the southern end of the Santa Lucia Highlands. Aged 16 months in 70% new French oak, its light gold hue is followed a stunning nose of ripe citrus, crushed stone, sea salt, and toasted spices. It's rich, medium to full-bodied, has a concentrated, focused mouthfeel, and a terrific sense of minerality on the finish. This is flat-out gorgeous, and while it's not going to be the longest-lived Chardonnay out there (and that's the vintage), this beauty is guaranteed to put a smile on your face any time over the coming 7-8 years.

Winemaker Notes

Powerful yet controlled nose, with aromas of flint, lily, and Crème Brulee, California meets Burgundy. The body is long and powerful with marine-influenced salinity and a fresh boisterous finish. This wine has a larger-than-life personality, much like the man growing the grapes, Gary Pisoni. This wine will pair well with lighter dishes of seafood or chicken, but also has the potential to complement a steak.

This is the Eight release of the “East of Eden” Chardonnay from the famed Pisoni Vineyard. Only a few barrels were produced, and I was lucky to get a few cases from Paul as they were all earmarked for his mailing list and for restaurants like French Laundry, Per Se, Gary Danko, etc.  This is probably the best rendition of a 1er Cru Montrachet produced in California.  As you are aware of Paul’s meticulous wine-making skills and strategy, nothing escapes this guru of precision!