2016 Paul Lato Chardonnay Belle de Jour Duvarita Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Buttered orchard fruits, creamed corn, spice box, toasted bread, and white flower notes all emerge from the 2016 Chardonnay Belle du Jour Duvarita Vineyard, a sensational Chardonnay that's up with the gems in this report. Possessing remarkable purity, medium body, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish, it's already impossible to resist yet should evolve gracefully on its balance and purity. This cuvée comes from a vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills and spent 15 months in 55% new French oak.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Belle de Jour Duvarita Vineyard is a very pretty and expressive wine. In this vintage, the Duvarita possesses striking texture and creaminess, with a slightly more tropical profile than in the past. Orange peel, vanilla, hazelnut and spices are some of the signatures. The 2016 finishes with terrific aromatic presence and a freshness that seems to grow as it sits in the glass.
The 2016 Chardonnay Belle de Jour Hilliard Bruce Vineyard reveals aromas of lime zest, preserved citrus, white flowers and struck match, followed by a medium-bodied, bright and tensile palate, with an elegantly glossy attack, excellent energy and a long, chalky finish. Intensely flavored and mouthwateringly fresh, this is a beautiful Chardonnay from Paul Lato.