97 Points | Robert Parker

This Paul Lato ‘Il Padrino’ Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 showcases remarkable concentration and complexity, offering layers of dark fruit flavors, such as blackberries and plums, with accents of cracked black pepper, leather, and floral undertones. The wine is structured and full-bodied, with an excellent balance between power and elegance, making it ideal for aging through 2033​.

98 Points | Jeb Dunnuck

In contrast, the Paul Lato ‘Il Padrino’ Bien Nacido Vineyard Syrah 2021 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. 98+

97 Points | 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. Drink between 2025-2045. (Erin Brooks – tasted Dec 2023)

94 points | Vinous

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. (AG – Sept 2023)