Solomon Hills Pinot Noir Suerte
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–12 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Roasted duck, creamy mushroom risotto, pan-seared salmon
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Sourced from the westernmost vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, the Solomon Hills Pinot Noir 'Suerte' is a stunning testament to maritime-influenced viticulture. The vineyard's proximity to the Pacific Ocean subjects the vines to cool ocean breezes and persistent fog, while its nutrient-poor, sandy soils force the roots deep, resulting in low yields of highly concentrated fruit. Named 'Suerte'—the Spanish word for luck or fortune—this cuvée represents winemaker Paul Lato's gratitude for the opportunity to craft wine from such a prestigious site. In the cellar, Lato employs gentle handling and French oak aging to preserve the vineyard's signature bright acidity, vibrant red fruit character, and distinct saline minerality, creating a Pinot Noir of exceptional purity, elegance, and textural complexity.
🍾 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.