Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard 2021 Paul Lato

Professional reviews

Robert Parker (95)

The 2021 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard comes from 28-year-old Wente clone vines. It underwent full malolactic conversion and was matured in 50% new French oak for 16 months. It has a slowly blossoming fragrance of quince and peach, burnt lemon peel and panna cotta, plus touches of beeswax, hazelnuts and matchstick. The full-bodied palate is concentrated and mouth coating with expansive flavors that demand your attention. It's balanced by fireworks of fresh acidity, streaked with youthful oak spices and has a long, decadent finish. This hedonistic Chardonnay is delicious straight from the bottle. 240 cases produced.

Vinous (94)

The 2021 Chardonnay Sierra Madre Vineyard Le Souvenir remains one of the most distinctive wines in this range. Lifted aromatics and bright, sculpted citrus fruit are the signatures. This understated, classy Chardonnay is a terrific example of Santa Maria at its best.

Jeb Dunnuck (96)

Coming from a site in the Santa Maria Valley, the 2021 Chardonnay Le Souvenir Sierra Madre Vineyard offers more minerality and salinity, with crisp citrus and orchard fruits, medium to full body, bright, juicy acidity, terrific mid-palate depth, and complex notes of minty herbs and green almonds. It will benefit from a year of bottle age (you'll be forgiven for opening bottles today) and will keep through 2031.