Paul Lato 2020 Syrah IL Padrino Bien Nacido 98 Points

This has been one of the best California Syrahs for years in a row. This wine will put many of the big Rhone names to shame! I only get a few cases of this gem, so jump on it NOW, as this will sell out fast! This wine gets an average 96-100 points every release!

Jeb Dunnuck 98 Points: “The 2020 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard also saw a touch of stems (5%) and was aged 19 months in two-thirds new French oak. Coming from a cooler site, it has a deep ruby/plum color as well as a great nose of ripe blackberry and mulberry fruits, notes of charred meat, iron, and baking spices, full-bodied richness, ripe and integrated tannins, and a great, great finish. Out of the two Syrahs, this beauty is a touch more balanced and elegant, and also has slightly more mid-palate density. Regardless, both are brilliant, singular wines that readers will love.”

Robert Parker 97 Points: “The 2020 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard, from 25-year-old vines farmed by Chris Hammell, was matured in 66% new French oak for 19 months. Medium ruby-purple in color, it offers defined, layered scents of blueberry and black cherry jam, mint leaves, coffee beans, green olives, violet and pepper. The full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated, botanical-tinged fruits supported by chalky tannins and seamless acidity, and it boasts classy oak spices on the long finish. 146 cases were made”

Vinous 96 Points: “The 2020 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Il Padrino is a brute. Most of the wines in this range are quite racy, but the Padrino is simply impenetrable as this stage. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha, gravel, dried fruit herbs, and menthol are some of the many notes that develop. There is some whole cluster influence, which adds complexity”

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.”