As with all Lato's Pinot Noirs, the 2017 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard was completely destemmed, and this cuvée was brought up in 60% new French oak, which is on the higher end for Lato. This rich, medium to full-bodied, Burgundian styled effort is another wine that's going to benefit from short-term cellaring yet offers a brilliant bouquet of black raspberries, ground herbs, earth, and underbrush notes, with just a hint of classic Sta. Rita Hills salinity and minerality. Showing more floral nuances with time in the glass, give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and it will shine through 2032.

The 2017 Pinot Noir Seabiscuit Zotovich Vineyard comes from 17-year-old vines planted in diatomaceous earth and sandy loam, and the wine aged for 17 months in 60% new French oak. It's medium ruby-purple in the glass and gives up wonderfully pure aromas of blueberries, spiced cranberry sauce, rhubarb, red cherry, raspberry and strawberry preserves, black cherries, peppered charcuterie, woodsmoke, dried rose petal and orange peel. Light to medium-bodied, it explodes in the mouth with flavor layers supported by firm, finely grained tannins and juicy freshness and finishes long, spicy and energetic. A powerful but elegant expression. 300 cases were made. - EB