Paul Lato 2018 Syrah “Il Padrino” Bien Nacido, Santa Barbara — 100 POINTS

This has been one of the best California Syrahs for years in a row.  If Paul Lato was located in the Rhone Valley, he would put many of the big names to shame!  In a recent tasting Paul’s Il Padrino bottling beat out 100 point wines like Alban’s Reva, and others!  I only get 5 cases of this gem, so jump on it NOW, as this might be the year of a 100 Point Syrah from Lato! This wine gets  an average 95-98 points every release!

Jeb Dunnuck – 100 Points: “There are two Syrahs from Lato, both brilliant wines yet distinctly different. The most masculine, peppery, and gamey is the 2018 Syrah Il Padrino, which comes from the Bien Nacido Vineyard located just outside the town of Santa Maria. Its deep ruby purple color is followed by textbook Bien Nacido notes of bacon fat, cracked pepper, beef blood, bouquet garni, blackberries, and darker currants. It’s a heavenly, concentrated, powerful wine that offers everything I look for in a great wine: richness without heaviness, incredible complexity, a singular character, and the ability to deliver both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure. Drink this incredible Syrah over the coming 10-12 years.

Paul Lato says: “Once again, Bien Nacido Syrah produces one of our most complex and intriguing wines, creating harmony between many worlds of flavor. Ripe blueberry, lavender, incense, and leather all emerge as a symphony of aromas from this full-bodied, structured wine. Deep, rich, fabulously concentrated, and pure on the palate, it stays tight and compact, with notable precision and length. Whether it’s a few minutes in the glass, or several years in the cellar, this wine becomes increasingly layered with time.”

Paul Lato 2018 Chardonnay “It’s All Good” Talley  ~~ Oliver’s Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Chardonnay “Done & Done” Talley ~~ Rincon Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Chardonnay “Souvenir” ~~ Sierra Madre Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Chardonnay “Belle de Jour” ~~ Duravita Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir “Seabiscuit” ~~ Zotovich Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir “Suerte” ~~ Solomon Hills ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir “Lancelot” ~~ Pisoni Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir  ~~ Drumm Canyon ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir “Atticus” ~~ John Sebastiano Vineyard ~~
Paul Lato 2018 Pinot Noir “Duende” ~~Gold Coast Vineyard ~~

Melis Family 2019 Rose of Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills (made by Paul Lato)