2019 Paul Lato Pinot Noir Kokoro
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The 2019 Pinot Noir Kokoro is a blend of the best barrels in the cellar, in this vintage taken from Solomon Hills, Peake Ranch and Zotovich. The Kokoro is undoubtedly a very good wine. To me, though, it comes across as a bit heavy and oaky. Dark fruit, chocolate and spice flavors are all dialed up. I am not convinced a super-blend works when the component wines are all so singular. It's a bit like building a sports team where every player is a star. That approach can work, but it doesn't always work.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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I loved the 2019 Pinot Noir Kokoro, and it's one of my favorites in the lineup. This cuvée is always a cellar selection, and the 2019 comes from a mix of vineyards. It was destemmed and spent 18 months in 75% new French oak. Rocking black cherries, spring flowers, honeysuckle, and sous bois notes all define the nose, and it's pure, full-bodied, and gorgeously balanced, with integrated acidity, ripe, polished tannins, and lots of salinity on the finish. The balance here is spot on, and this is another remarkable, straight-up thrilling Pinot Noir from Lato that ticks all my boxes. It will shine for 7-8 years, if not longer, although there's no need to delay gratification.