Inky purple. Classic syrah aromas of black and blue fruits, cracked pepper, olive tapenade and violet, with a spicy overtone. Concentrated and chewy in texture, offering sappy cassis and blueberry flavors and a touch of bitter chocolate. The spicy note returns on the long, smooth, focused finish. Shows nice complexity now but this syrah should age well on its energy.

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Readers looking for an alternative to the higher-priced and harder to find wines in this lineup should focus on the 2009 Patrina. As I noted last year, the Patrina is a new Syrah made from parcels that have never been used for Reva, Lorraine or Seymour's. The 2009 is a gorgeous, classy wine that captures the essence of the Alban house style. Sweet red cherries, flowers and mint are some of the many notes that flow from this impeccable, silky and polished Syrah. Today, the 2009 is accessible, open and even more beautiful than it was from barrel.

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Both rich and powerful, with a measure of finesse and restraint, commingling dark berry, boysenberry and huckleberry flavors, with spice, cedar, tobacco and licorice. Maintains its focus and persistence on the finish. A new Syrah from Alban, coming from a younger vineyard.

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