September 16, 2020, Santa Maria, CA – Paul Lato Wines and Bien Nacido Vineyards are pleased to announce the perfect 100-point score for Lato’s 2018 il Padrino Syrah – the first 100-point vineyard designate wine from the iconic Bien Nacido Vineyard in Santa Barbara County.
As owner and winemaker of Paul Lato Wines, Lato has earned a reputation for crafting world-class artisanal wines from California. Born in Poland, Lato was first introduced to Santa Barbara County while living in Canada. After taking a harvest internship while pursuing his sommelier education, he was so inspired by the craft that he decided to follow winemaking as a full-time career. In 2002, Lato moved to the Central Coast, where he started his eponymous label. Sourcing fruit from some of the top vineyards throughout California, including Bien Nacido, Lato’s diverse selection of wines have received much critical acclaim over the years, including most recently from the prestigious critic, Jeb Dunnuck, who gave Paul Lato’s 2018 il Padrino Syrah from Bien Nacido Vineyard the highest honor of 100 points.
Dunnuck, who applauded the wine for its “masculine, peppery, and gamey” characters, further describes the 2018 Il Padrino as “everything I look for in a great wine: richness without heaviness, incredible complexity, a singular character, and the ability to deliver both intellectual and hedonistic pleasure.”
As the first vineyard designate wine from Bien Nacido to receive 100 points, Lato shares he is “thrilled and humbled to produce a wine that represents what’s possible from this incredible vineyard.” He adds, “Once again, Bien Nacido Syrah produces one of my most complex and intriguing wines, creating harmony between many worlds of flavor. It’s deep, rich, fabulously concentrated, and has 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.”
The highly celebrated Bien Nacido Vineyard was planted in 1973 by the Miller family, multi-generational farming family and founders of The Thornhill Companies. Home to the first cool-climate Syrah grapes on the Central Coast, Bien Nacido remains one of the most sought-after sources for Syrah and Burgundian grapes by some of California’s most esteemed producers.
“Paul has been a great supporter of our vineyards over the years, and we couldn’t be more excited that his Syrah from Bien Nacido has been recognized with a perfect 100-point score,” says Nicholas Miller, Vice President of Sales & Marketing of Bien Nacido Estates. “It showcases classic Bien Nacido notes of bacon fat, black pepper, dark berry fruit, and game, and I can’t help but echo Jeb’s sentiments when describing the wine: it’s beautiful, concentrated, and powerful without feeling heavy. We’re honored to have Bien Nacido be part of this superb wine.”
About Paul Lato Wines
Paul Lato Wines is owned by winemaker Paul Lato, a Polish-born, professionally trained sommelier who founded his eponymous label on the Central Coast in 2002. Sourcing grapes from esteemed vineyards throughout California, Lato uses an artisanal, intuitive approach in the cellar to craft an array of small-lot wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Grenache. Renowned by critics and tastemakers alike, Lato’s wines are widely recognized for being balanced, structured, and the perfect complement to food.
For more information on Paul Lato Wines, please visit www.paullatowines.com.
About Bien Nacido Vineyard
Bien Nacido Vineyard is owned and operated by the Miller family, a multi-generational farming family and owners of the industry-leading The Thornhill Companies. The Thornhill Companies includes the prestigious Bien Nacido and Solomon Hills Estates, Miller Family Wine Company and Thornhill Ranches. Miller Family Wine Company manages national branded wine labels, including J. Wilkes, Ballard Lane, Smashberry, and Barrel Burner wines, control label brands for prominent retailers across the U.S., and French Camp vineyard in Paso Robles.
For more information on The Thornhill Companies, please visit www.thornhillcompanies.com.
