Sierra Madre Vineyard Kokoro Chardonnay
⏳ Drinking Window
2022 - 2028
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Pan-seared scallops, roasted chicken, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ Technical Specifications
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.
🍾 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
Chardonnay
🍷 ABV
14.1-14.5%