44% Counoise, 36% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache
The 2021 Aatto is wickedly fresh, bursting from the glass with a lifting mix of sweet herbs, cola and hints of orange-tinge dark chocolate complementing crushed strawberries. It’s juicy in character with a wave of liquid violet florals and crisp blackberry fruits that cascade across the palate. It finishes on a spicy note with a layer of crunchy tannins and tart blackberry.
93 pts/ Vinous
"A cinnamon and clove dusting gives way to mentholated herbs and crushed blackberries as the 2019 Aatto blossoms in the glass. This is texturally thrilling, creamy yet spry, with cooling acidity, mineral tones and citrus-tinged wild berries that stimulate the palate. There’s a sense of boundless energy as the 2019 finishes spicy and long. Crunchy red and blue fruits slowly fade. The Aatto goes down too easily, making it almost impossible to sense the 16% abv within. It’s a blend of 45% Counoise, 35% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache. 94+ pts"
Eric Guido — Vinous
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.
