Lumiere Larner Grenache
⏳ Drinking Window
2024 - 2029
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Roasted duck, grilled lamb chops, rosemary-infused pork tenderloin
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the wind-swept, sandy soils of the Larner Vineyard in the Ballard Canyon AVA of Santa Barbara County, Paul Lato's 'Lumiere' Grenache is a stunning testament to the potential of Rhône varieties in this unique microclimate. The name 'Lumiere'—French for 'light'—alludes to both the cinematic passions of Lato and the radiant, translucent ruby hue of the wine itself. Eschewing the heavy, over-extracted style sometimes found in New World Grenache, Lato focuses on capturing the grape's natural elegance, high-toned aromatics, and vibrant acidity. The sandy terroir of Larner Vineyard contributes distinct floral notes, white pepper spice, and fine-grained tannins, resulting in a wine of remarkable purity, tension, and silkiness.
🍾 About the Producer
Established in 2002 by Polish-born former Toronto sommelier Paul Lato, this boutique Central Coast winery emerged after early mentorship from Au Bon Climat's Jim Clendenen and encouragement from Bien Nacido's Bob Miller. Operating without estate acreage, Lato contracts premier, meticulously farmed plots across premier maritime-influenced cool-climate terroirs, spanning the Santa Maria Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, and Los Carneros. The viticultural philosophy focuses on rigorous yield restriction, physiological maturity, and sustainable management tailored block by block. In the cellar, Lato applies an intuitive, non-interventionist approach with small-lot fermentations, ambient yeast, and sensitive French oak aging to deliver exceptional textural tension, purity, and culinary balance. Celebrated white cuvées—including the Hyde Vineyard Goldberg Variations Chardonnay, Sierra Madre Kokoro Chardonnay, Le Bon Vivant, and O Sole Mio Sauvignon Blanc—stand alongside benchmark Pinot Noir and Syrah as some of California's most critically acclaimed, authentic, and seamless single-vineyard expressions.
🍇 Grapes
Grenache