Paul Lato Ora de Labora Bien Nacido Vineyard Grenache 2015

Perfumed aromas of rose petal, macerated strawberries, and cacao bean arise from this richly garnet-colored wine. Lovely, fine tannins grace the palate as notes of ground pepper, dark cherry, and flint accumulate towards a long finish. This is my first Grenache from one of my favorite sites, Bien Nacido Vineyard, and it fully displays the power of that property while retaining the supple elegance of the Grenache grape.

Bien Nacido Vineyard is one of the most historic vineyards in Santa Maria Valley tracing its grape-growing history back to the days of the Spanish land grants. Vineyard Manager Chris Hammell and his dedicated crew continue to take this vineyard to even greater heights. Many of this region’s most acclaimed winemakers have enjoyed great success working with this internationally renowned site. While offering a variety of topography, their very special block of the Estrella clone grows on hillside and produces an elegant, spicy expression of Syrah like those from the great Northern Rhone appellations. This wine often smells of church incense with white pepper and minerality.