The 2021 Paul Lato Stand By Me Drumm Canyon Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is a standout offering from California’s Central Coast, specifically from the Santa Rita Hills sub-appellation. This Pinot Noir, produced by Paul Lato, has garnered high praise from several esteemed wine reviewers, reflecting its quality and complexity.

Jeb Dunnuck awarded this wine an impressive 97 points, noting its "darker cherries, black tea, leafy herbs, and sweet spice" aromas. He emphasized the wine’s "layered, medium-bodied" nature and its "terrific underlying sense of minerality." Dunnuck also highlighted its "focused, elegant mouthfeel" and "great finish," suggesting that it has an "age-worthy, nicely structured, balanced style" and will benefit from additional bottle aging, potentially evolving gracefully through 2031 and beyond (jebdunnuck.com, 8/30/2023).

Vinous also praised the 2021 Stand By Me Pinot Noir with a score of 94 points. This review described the wine as "deep, powerful and authoritative," with "tons of textural resonance and class to burn." The tasting notes mention dark blue/purplish fruit, lavender, spice, leather, menthol, and licorice, which "build effortlessly." Vinous appreciated the wine’s "terrific mid-palate density and fine, fine balance," calling it "gorgeous" (Vinous, 9/1/2023).

Wine Enthusiast’s Matt Kettmann gave this Pinot Noir an outstanding 98 points, remarking on its "lavish and intense aromas of Luxardo cherry, toasted spices and warm cherry pie." Kettmann highlighted the "crunchiness to the black raspberry base of the palate" and the "fresh texture" that creates a "fantastic sensation that goes beyond mere fruit and spice flavors" (Wine Enthusiast, 7/1/2024).

The Wine Independent rated the wine at 95 points, describing its "pale ruby-purple color" and "eager to please notes of black raspberries, black cherries, and pomegranate." The review also mentions "touches of wild thyme, crushed rocks, and forest floor." It praised the "medium-bodied palate" packed with "expressive black berry flavors and earthy accents," supported by "fine-grained tannins and well-knit freshness," finishing with a "real skip in its step" (The Wine Independent, 1/17/2024).

Overall, the 2021 Paul Lato Stand By Me Drumm Canyon Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir is highly acclaimed for its complex flavor profile, balanced structure, and potential for aging.