
Aatto
Aatto is probably our most unusual, exotic wine, both aromatically and in the flavor profile.
It’s made up of mostly Counoise and Mourvedre, with small amounts of Grenache.
Vivid ruby-red. An expansive bouquet evokes ripe red fruits, sandalwood, vanilla and potpourri. Sweet, seamless, and penetrating on the palate, offering energetic raspberry and cherry cola flavors sharpened by a smoky mineral quality and a touch of white pepper. Finishes long and spicy, with sneaky tannins lending shape and discreet grip. 40% new French oak puncheons. 93 pts
Josh Raynolds/Vinous
— Vinous/Josh Raynolds September 2021
Technical Details
- Vintage 2018
- PH 3.79
- TA .58
- Alcohol 15.8%
- Production 210 cases
Finnish for, “eve”, as in Christmas Eve. My dad’s name; he was born on Christmas Eve (Joulu Aatto).
My dad was a dreamer, like me. I guess I got his restless DNA. He was born in Finland in 1932, was essentially orphaned by the time he was 10, jumped on a ship with one of his brothers to Canada in his early-20s, met my mom, had kids, and ultimately moved us to Southern California. The land of opportunity!
Although he realized some of that opportunity, he never quite got a hold of the reins the way he envisioned. He inspired me to realize that dream. I feel totally privileged to be here today, and because of that I give my dad a nod, an acknowledgement that I’m here because of his dreams.