2020 Paul Lato Chardonnay Goldberg Variations Hyde Vineyard No. 3

The story of Paul Lato Wines

Paul Lato Wines is a small, independent winery known for elegant wines with crystal-clear expression. Founder and winemaker Paul Lato worked for years as a sommelier and has translated that tasting experience into wines where balance and detail are paramount. He works exclusively with top vineyards on the cool California coast and opts for meticulous selection in the vineyard. Production is deliberately limited. Each cuvée is vinified plot by plot, preserving the identity of its origin. The style is modern in precision, classic in structure, and focused on freshness, length, and refinement. This makes the winery appealing to both serious wine lovers and sommeliers seeking Chardonnay with depth without excess.

Region, terroir and Hyde Vineyard in Carneros

The Goldberg Variations Hyde Vineyard No. 3 comes from Hyde Vineyard in Carneros, a cooler zone that benefits from its proximity to San Pablo Bay. Morning fog and cooling winds temper the heat and extend the growing season. Grapes ripen evenly and develop intense aromas while maintaining clean acidity. The soils consist of layers of clay, loam, and sand with good drainage. This produces Chardonnay with a firm backbone, a refined texture, and mineral undertones. Hyde Vineyard is known for the detail and precision of its fruit profile. Lemon, yellow apple, and white peach often develop a salty, chalky signature here, expanding its culinary appeal. The combination of microclimate and soil makes this vineyard ideal for the precise style Paul Lato strives for.

About the wine Paul Lato Chardonnay Goldberg Variations Hyde Vineyard No. 3 2020

The 2020 vintage is made from 100% Chardonnay from carefully selected rows within Hyde Vineyard. Harvesting is entirely by hand, in small crates, with double selection by plot and in the cellar. The grapes are gently pressed and fermented naturally in French oak barrels, some of which are new for added layering without masking the fruit. The wine then matures on the fine lees for approximately sixteen months. Regular bâtonnage is applied with restraint to maintain tension and precision. The result is a wine with bright acidity, a silky texture, and seamless integration of oak. This cuvée is rare and intended for connoisseurs seeking depth and longevity. The quality of this vintage was underscored by a rave review from The Wine Advocate (96 points), which highlighted the combination of depth, satin texture, and a long, precise finish. This review aligns with the house style: intensity, layering, and perfect balance.

Color, smell and taste

In the glass, the wine reveals a bright gold with a delicate sheen. The nose opens with lemon cream, yellow apple, and white blossom, followed by brioche, almond, and a subtle hint of smoke. With a little air, nuances of beeswax, pear, and wet stone emerge. The attack is refined and clean. The texture is creamy but never heavy, supported by lively acidity that gives the wine energy and length. On the palate, citrus, ripe apple, and a subtle woody spiciness return, framed by a salty-mineral tension that gives the whole focus. The finish is long and precise, offering an elegant hint of lemon zest, hazelnut, and a touch of honey. This balance already makes the wine seductive, and further bottle aging will add further complexity.

Storage potential and serving advice

The 2020 Goldberg Variations Hyde Vineyard No. 3 is ready to enjoy immediately after decanting, but will gain depth within five to ten years. Serving it at a temperature of around 10–12°C (50–55°F) maintains a tight aromatic profile and allows the layers to gradually separate. Use medium-sized Burgundy glasses for optimal expression of texture and aroma.

Would you like to order Paul Lato wines online?

If available, you'll find the official fact sheet and additional information about this fine wine in the "Attachments" tab. We'll automatically send you these when you order this wine. The wine is stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse, and if you pick it up, you'll often receive a nice discount. You'll see your discount immediately when you select "Pickup" at the checkout page. We're located in Dordrecht, just off the A16 motorway with ample parking. Click here for our address. You can read the full wine reviews from Parker, Suckling, Vinous, and Wine Spectator, among others. Need advice on finding the perfect wine to pair with your dish? Click here for our exclusive Sommelier. Free for Grand Cru customers.

Wine and food pairings

• Lobster with saffron cream and fennel : the creamy sauce complements the silky texture, while fennel enhances the citrus notes.
• Scallops with cauliflower cream : nutty notes in the wine and dish enhance each other, and the acidity keeps everything fresh.
• Pan-fried turbot with beurre blanc : concentration and length match the rich sauce, the minerality gives precision to the dish.
• Chicken Supreme with morels and jus : subtle wood spices and soft creaminess complement the mushrooms and jus perfectly.
• Risotto with Parmesan and Lemon Zest : The wine adds tension to the creaminess and accentuates the savory umami profile.
• Grilled salmon with beurre noisette and capers : the buttery note resonates with the texture, while the capers provide a fresh lift, much like the acidity in the wine.