Les Bons Amis Pinot Noir
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 2–8 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck breast, creamy mushroom risotto, seared salmon
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Paul Lato's 'Les Bons Amis' (The Good Friends) Pinot Noir is a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of friendship and collaboration that defines the Santa Barbara winemaking community. Sourced from prestigious, cool-climate vineyards within Santa Barbara County, this cuvée is crafted to be both approachable and deeply complex. True to Lato's minimalist philosophy, the grapes undergo gentle destemming, native yeast fermentation, and aging in carefully selected French oak barrels. The resulting wine beautifully captures the region's signature maritime influence, offering a harmonious balance of vibrant red fruit, delicate earthiness, and a silky, refined texture that makes it a joy to share.
🍾 wine.about_producer
Founded in 2002 by Polish-born sommelier Paul Lato, this artisanal winery is based in Santa Maria, California, within the heart of Santa Barbara County. Driven by a philosophy of minimal intervention and a quest for elegance and balance, Lato meticulously selects fruit from some of the Central Coast's most prestigious vineyards, including Bien Nacido, Solomon Hills, and Larner. The estate is highly acclaimed for its small-production, single-vineyard Pinot Noirs, Chardonnays, and Syrahs, which beautifully capture the unique maritime-influenced terroir of the region. With an unwavering focus on purity of fruit and texture, expressions like the Solomon Hills Pinot Noir Suerte and Larner Syrah Cinematique have earned the winery a reputation as one of California's premier boutique producers.