Paul Lato 2019 Syrah “Il Padrino” Bien Nacido Vyd, 99 Points

IWR 99 Points: “A 100% Syrah from the famed Bien Nacido vineyard, that is almost completely destemmed and spends 19 months in 63% new French oak barrels. What can I say about this wine other than it’s one of the best Syrah’s I’ve experienced from California – period. A nose of wild blackberry, blue plum, dried violets, dusty attic, crushed black peppercorn, forest floor, and a hint of old leather stream from the glass. Ample acidity, and silky but present tannins frame this full-bodied wine that delivers on the palate as much as on the nose. Delivering a perfect balance of blue and black fruits, gamey notes, minerality, spice and floral notes that punches the palate with a lengthy finish. Enjoy now or over the next 15 years. Only eight barrels were produced. Highly recommended.”

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points: “The 2019 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard comes from further north, in Santa Maria, and it was mostly destemmed as well and spent 19 months in close to two-thirds new French oak. More Jamet-like notes of ripe blackberries, smoked game, ground pepper, and spring flowers define the bouquet, and it’s full-bodied, with a perfectly balanced, multi-dimensional texture, incredible tannins, and a great, great finish. This is another brilliant, magical Syrah from Lato that flirts with perfection.”