Souvenir Sierra Madre Chardonnay
⏳ wine.drinking_window
Typically best enjoyed 3–8 years from the vintage release.
🍽️ wine.food_pairings
Pan-seared sea scallops, roasted chicken with herbs, creamy mushroom risotto
✨ wine.spec_sheet
Crafted by master sommelier turned winemaker Paul Lato, the 'Souvenir' Chardonnay is a liquid homage to the historic Sierra Madre Vineyard. First planted in 1971, Sierra Madre is one of the foundational sites of the Santa Maria Valley, celebrated for its cool, maritime climate and free-draining sandy soils. The name 'Souvenir' reflects Lato's desire to capture a sensory keepsake of this unique terroir. Influenced by persistent ocean breezes and morning fog, the grapes undergo a slow ripening process that preserves vibrant natural acidity. In the cellar, Lato employs traditional Burgundian techniques, including native yeast fermentation and aging in select French oak barrels. The resulting wine is a masterful balance of rich, textured weight and energetic, mineral-driven tension, showcasing notes of stone fruit, citrus blossom, and subtle toasted brioche.
🍾 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.