Paul Lato 'Il Padrino' Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 750ml

Product Info

98pts Jeb Dunnuck
In contrast, the 2021 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is more masculine and feral, with ripe black fruits, cracked black pepper, leather, iron, and spring flowers, and a certain bloody character developing with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied, it has a similar level of polish but is a touch more concentrated and lengthy on the palate, with ripe, building tannins and awesome length. Drink this spectacular Syrah over the coming 10-12 years.

97pts Wine Advocate
The 2021 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is particularly elegant and detailed. Grapes come from 26-year-old Estrella clone vines, and the wine was matured for 19 months in 66% new French oak. It has an intense perfume of cassis, blueberry jam, mint chocolate, tapenade, aniseed and dark spices. The full-bodied palate has plush, pixelated tannins and a concentrated core of perfumed fruit. Focused acidity offers balance, and it has a long finish with a flourish of spicy accents. It develops dramatically as it spends time in the glass and will be long lived in the cellar. 160 cases were made. Published: Dec 29, 2023 Reviewed by: Erin Brooks

94pts Vinous Media
The 2021 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Il Padrino is one of the most distinctive wines in the range from Paul Lato. Brilliant aromatics, chiseled fruit and power abound. Even so, the 2021 remains light on its feet, showing tremendous energy and drive that builds into its persistent finish. All this needs is a bit more polish. Hopefully that will come with time in bottle -By Antonio Galloni on July 2023

Terroir
'Il Padrino' is sourced exclusively from the famed Bien Nacido Vineyard, one of California’s most storied sites for cool-climate Syrah. The vineyard sits on well-draining sandy loam and clay soils interspersed with marine sediment, providing natural stress that concentrates flavor while maintaining brightness.

The 2021 vintage experienced moderate temperatures with ideal diurnal swings, enabling full phenolic ripeness while preserving natural acidity. These conditions allowed the Syrah to achieve remarkable intensity and aromatic purity.

Winemaking & Technical Notes
The wine is 100% Syrah, hand-harvested and sorted to ensure only the finest clusters contribute to the final blend. Fermentation takes place in small stainless steel tanks with gentle punch-downs and pump-overs to extract color and structure without harshness.

Aging occurs in French oak barrels, a portion new, for 18–20 months. This careful maturation integrates tannins and adds subtle layers of spice, cocoa, and smoked meat, while preserving the vineyard’s signature minerality and aromatic precision. Minimal filtration and low intervention ensure that the wine expresses both site and vintage authentically.

Tasting Notes
The 2021 'Il Padrino' pours a deep garnet with violet edges. Aromas are rich and complex: blackberry, black plum, and cassis are intertwined with smoked meat, dark chocolate, black pepper, and violet. Subtle hints of forest floor and graphite add depth and elegance.

On the palate, the wine is full-bodied and structured, with dense, polished tannins and vibrant acidity that lift the concentrated dark fruit. Layers of cocoa, espresso, and dried herbs emerge alongside the core of ripe blackberry and plum. The finish is long, mineral-driven, and persistent, leaving a lasting impression of spice, fruit, and savory complexity.

Food Pairing & Service
Serve at 60–65°F, with a 60–90 minute decant recommended to reveal full aromatics. Pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted lamb, braised short ribs, venison, or charred mushrooms. It also complements aged hard cheeses and dishes with black pepper, rosemary, or earthy reductions.

Cellaring & Longevity
This Syrah is crafted for both immediate enjoyment and long-term aging. While approachable with decanting now, the 2021 'Il Padrino' will reach optimal complexity from 2025 through 2040.

Over time, primary dark fruits will evolve toward leather, smoked meat, dried herbs, and subtle mineral notes. Properly cellared, it will develop depth and nuance while maintaining the vibrant structure and aromatic precision characteristic of Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah.