2018 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard, co-fermented with 5% to 7% Viognier, has a deep ruby-purple color and pure scents of cassis, coffee beans, lavender, garrigue and bay leaves. The palate is full-bodied, plush, open for business and packed with ripe, chocolaty fruits. It has a firm but ripe frame, well-woven freshness and a long, flavorful finish. It's gregarious and immediately accessible, although it will age well in bottle. Only 75 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
From a site in the southern part of Ballard Canyon, the 2018 Syrah Cinematique can be thought of as a more Côte Rôtie-like wine compared to the Hermitage-like Bien Nacido release. Lots of black raspberry, rare meat, flowery incense, white and black pepper, new leather, and resinous herb notes all soar from the glass, and it's deep, full-bodied, perfectly balanced, and has a finish that won't quit. It's a true “Wow” wine and needs to be tasted to be believed. A great California success story, Polish immigrant Paul Lato started as a cellar hand in a Santa Maria co-op/custom crush and has worked his way up to being one of the leading producers of artisanal, world class wines in California today. Lato fashions a bevy of wines (I would normally say too many, yet given the quality he’s able to achieve, the more the merrier) including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These aren’t lightweight wines, yet they never lose their sense of balance and elegance. I always describe the wines as having a slightly Old World style, but with one foot planted firmly in California. As I hope the reviews show, his 2018s are incredible wines across the board.
The 2018 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard is a dark, powerful wine. Layers of blue/purplish fruit, gravel, leather, spice, smoke and menthol infuse the 2018 with tremendous personality. Muscular tannins need time to soften, but that time in bottle will help.