Tasting Notes with Lucky’s Steakhouse Wine Director Larry Nobles

Paul Lato is the perfect contender for the Central Coast’s innovative wine offerings. He was a former sommelier at several fine restaurants in Toronto before taking the leap to work with seasoned wine maker Jim Clendenen, of Au Bon Climat in Santa Maria. Lato had several breakthroughs, including several 95+ point ratings from wine critic Robert M. Parker and private label wines. With encouragement from the local wine community, Lato soon purchased Zotovich Vineyard and partnered with founder Steve Zotovich to produce the wine I love – Seabiscuit 2017 Pinot Noir. Lato and Zotovich noticed the unrealized potential in the vineyard, just like Seabiscuit, the racehorse. Situated in the center of the Sta. Rita Hills, the vineyard had been misunderstood, neglected in its youth, and bought when it was old. But with love, nurture, and repair it became a winning winery and one of my favorites. Take a sip of Seabiscuit 2017 Pinot Noir and you will immediately notice the perfume on the nose and red fruit. The light and sandy soil contribute to its velvety texture. This light and aromatic pinot noir pairs nicely with fresh fish. At home, pair it with a pan-fried medium rare salmon over leafy greens or a Niçoise salad with seared ahi, lettuces, green beans, boiled egg, fingerling potatoes, cherry tomatoes, shallot, mustard and thyme vinaigrette, garnished with Kalamata olives. The next time you find yourself at Lucky’s, I recommend pairing Seabiscuit with our fresh, grilled salmon topped dressed in a lemon caper butter sauce and served with sautéed spinach. Recommended film pairing: Seabiscuit.