The 2020 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard also saw a touch of stems (5%) and was aged 19 months in two-thirds new French oak. Coming from a cooler site, it has a deep ruby/plum color as well as a great nose of ripe blackberry and mulberry fruits, notes of charred meat, iron, and baking spices, full-bodied richness, ripe and integrated tannins, and a great, great finish. Out of the two Syrahs, this beauty is a touch more balanced and elegant, and also has slightly more mid-palate density. Regardless, both are brilliant, singular wines that readers will love.
98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2022)
The 2020 Syrah Il Padrino Bien Nacido Vineyard, from 25-year-old vines farmed by Chris Hammell, was matured in 66% new French oak for 19 months. Medium ruby-purple in color, it offers defined, layered scents of blueberry and black cherry jam, mint leaves, coffee beans, green olives, violet and pepper. The full-bodied palate explodes with concentrated, botanical-tinged fruits supported by chalky tannins and seamless acidity, and it boasts classy oak spices on the long finish. 146 cases were made.
97 points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Dec 2022)
The 2020 Syrah Bien Nacido Vineyard Il Padrino is a brute. Most of the wines in this range are quite racy, but the Padrino is simply impenetrable as this stage. Blue/purplish fruit, lavender, mocha, gravel, dried herbs and menthol are some of the many notes that develop. There is some whole cluster influence, which adds complexity.
96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Aug 2022)