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The August 2024 Auction: Part 5
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1 / 2Lot 2525
Estimate: $120
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Collection name
Reviews
93+WA
"Made from two suitcase clones (Swan and Calera) grown on a steep, south-facing slope in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2013 Pinot Noir The Contender Drum Canyon Vineyard has discrete oak in its blackcurrant, black cherry, underbrush, rose petal and spice-laced bouquet. This gives way to a ripe, nicely concentrated and juicy Pinot Noir that has bright acidity and a taut, energetic texture. It's currently lacking a touch of the integration found in the other releases, yet is still beautiful .... At the top of the heap with regard to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, Paul Lato continues to focus on small yields and tiny production cuvees from his base in the Santa Maria co-op. While the rage these days is harvesting early and chasing Burgundy-like textures and flavors, Paul’s wines make a mockery of this approach and offer sensational texture, purity and freshness, without giving up on the incredible fruit that makes California so special. They’re made in tiny qualities, but don’t miss these 2013s; this is the best vintage from Paul to date. They’re well worth the extra effort the track down."
Region
Red
Country
Score
"Made from two suitcase clones (Swan and Calera) grown on a steep, south-facing slope in the Sta. Rita Hills, the 2013 Pinot Noir The Contender Drum Canyon Vineyard has discrete oak in its blackcurrant, black cherry, underbrush, rose petal and spice-laced bouquet. This gives way to a ripe, nicely concentrated and juicy Pinot Noir that has bright acidity and a taut, energetic texture. It's currently lacking a touch of the integration found in the other releases, yet is still beautiful .... At the top of the heap with regard to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in Santa Barbara County, Paul Lato continues to focus on small yields and tiny production cuvees from his base in the Santa Maria co-op. While the rage these days is harvesting early and chasing Burgundy-like textures and flavors, Paul’s wines make a mockery of this approach and offer sensational texture, purity and freshness, without giving up on the incredible fruit that makes California so special. They’re made in tiny qualities, but don’t miss these 2013s; this is the best vintage from Paul to date. They’re well worth the extra effort the track down."
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The fourth-largest wine producer in the world, led by California. American fine wine is defined by ripe, expressive fruit and a spirit of innovation, with Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon among the most sought-after wines globally.
A thin-skinned, terroir-sensitive red producing perfumed, silky and elegant wines of red-berry fruit and earthy complexity. It reaches its apogee in Burgundy.