The 2020 Space Cadet is the star in this range from Paul Lato. Silky and aromatic, the 2020 is hauntingly beautiful from the get-go. Inky red/purplish fruit, sage, cedar, tobacco, incense and dried flowers are some of the many notes that race across the palate. All the elements are so well balanced. Space Cadet is mostly Syrah and some Grenache, but the Grenache really seems to drive the profile today.
97 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2022)
Similar to Kokoro, the 2020 Space Cadet is a wine that is looking for the best blend. Deep garnet-purple colored, it gallops out with fantastically open-knit scents of baked blackberries, boysenberry preserves, and licorice, followed by suggestions of tar, dried Provence herbs, and candied violets. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is taut and structured, delivering firm, rounded tannins and a lively backbone with muscular fruit, finishing long and spicy.
96 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate (Sep 2022)
A 65/35 split of Syrah and Grenache from the Bien Nacido and Larner vineyards, the 2020 Space Cadet reveals an almost opaque ruby/purple hue to go with a rocking nose of red, blue, and black fruits as well as ground pepper, violets, and some gamey, meaty nuances. It's full-bodied on the palate, has a wealth of fruit, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. It's going to benefit from a year or two in the cellar and drink brilliantly over the following decade.
95+ points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2022)