2010 Paul Lato Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard

Lato's 2010 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard boasts striking depth and purity. This weightless, totally gracious Syrah impresses for its nuance, delineation and sheer class. Violets, black pepper, exotic spices and a hint of orange rind linger on the finish. Lato co-fermented 5% Viognier in the Cinematique.

Lato's 2010 Syrah Cinematique Larner Vineyard boasts striking depth and purity. This weightless, totally gracious Syrah impresses for its nuance, delineation and sheer class. Violets, black pepper, exotic spices and a hint of orange rind linger on the finish. Lato co-fermented 5% Viognier in the Cinematique. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020. Paul Lato's wines are imbued with passion and personality. This is another superb set of wines from one of California's hottest under-the-radar producers. This year, Lato has two new wines; a Chardonnay from Hilliard Bruce (for whom he also consults) and a Grenache from the Larner Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. All of these wines are made in tiny amounts, but they are well worth the effort of searching out. Tel. (805) 260-3210

Also showing consistent, with a riper, more powerful profile, the 2010 Cinematique Larner Vineyard (92% Syrah and 8% Viognier) offers spectacular aromas and flavors of blackberry, smoked meats, licorice, graphite, and pepper to go with a full-bodied, elegant, and gorgeously put together palate. Thrillingly rich and concentrated, yet never heavy or cumbersome, with perfectly integrated acidity and ripe, polish tannin, this knockout Syrah should be given another year or two in the cellar, and drunk over the following 10-15 years. It will be approachable earlier than the Bien Nacido, yet offer a similar drinking window.