Sierra Madre Vineyard Kokoro Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–10 years from vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Pan-seared scallops, roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Hailing from the historic Sierra Madre Vineyard in the cool, wind-swept Santa Maria Valley, the 'Kokoro' Chardonnay is a testament to Paul Lato's artistic and emotional approach to winemaking. Named after the Japanese word for 'heart, mind, and soul,' this cuvée reflects the deep connection between the winemaker and the land. First planted in 1971, Sierra Madre Vineyard is defined by its sandy loam soils and direct maritime influence from the Pacific Ocean, which allow the Chardonnay grapes to ripen slowly while retaining brilliant natural acidity. Lato employs traditional, low-intervention techniques, including barrel fermentation and aging in select French oak barrels, to craft a wine of exceptional purity, textural richness, and vibrant mineral tension.
🍾 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.