96 Antonio Galloni - Vinous

"One of the Lato flagship wines, the 2010 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard is simply stunning in this vintage. Layers of rich, dark fruit burst from the glass in this expressive, nuanced wine. Hints of bacon fat, crushed rocks, spices and tapenade emerge over time, but readers will have to wait at least another year or two before the wine-s full personality emerges. Lato made the Padrino with the addition of 5% Viognier and used 20% whole clusters, the first time he has used stems in Syrah. The 100% new oak barrels are beautifully integrated. This is another utterly majestic wine from Paul Lato. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2020."

96 Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report

"Still showing gorgeously (I reviewed this wine in Issue 12) and one of the top cool-climate Syrahs coming out of California, with a complexity and textural elegance found in few wines, the 2010 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard is filled with a perfume of red and black raspberries, smoked game, pepper, and spring flowers. Full-bodied, rich, and seamless, with juicy acidity, fine, building tannin, and nothing out of place, it still needs a handful of years in the cellar, and will drink well for 15-20 years."