2013 Paul Lato “Kokoro” Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $90. This wine was originally produced solely for the high-end Japanese market, but is now being offered to the mailing list as a sign of appreciation. The wine is sourced from a number of vineyards in the Paul Lato portfolio. “Kokoro” is a Japanese word that means “from the heart.” 70% new French oak. Unfiltered. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. The nose leads with aromas of black cherry, ash, tobacco and vanilla. Modest in weight, but very flavorful, with tastes of black raspberry, black cherry and boysenberry accented with oak-driven spice and toast. Quite elegant with modest tannins, some finishing power and a touch of warmth at the silky end. Score: 90. Reviewed May 14, 2015

Winery: Paul Lato
From article: Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir