2000 Alban Syrah Lorraine Estate
Wine Spectator | Rating: 94
An enormous, espresso-style wine in every respect. Inky black in color, with dense and lovely boysenberry, pomegranate, tobacco and anise. Fairly coats the palate with plush tannins, yet for all its intensity and extracted fruit flavors there's a sense of grace and deft balance. 275 cases made.Drink Dates: 2004-2012Author: James LaubeWine Advocate | Rating: 93
The inky/black/purple 2000 Syrah Lorraine Vineyard is saturated in color. It boasts a knock-out nose of melted licorice, blackberry liqueur, and acacia flowers. Full-bodied, huge, tannic, but ripe, this is a stunningly rich wine that should hit its peak in 2-3 years, and last for 15+.Drink Dates: 2005-2018Author: Robert Parker
Starting in 1985, John Alban planted grapes for other people until he bought an estate in 1989. With a focus on creating wines made from Rhone Valley varieties, Alban became one of the pioneers in the Rhone Rangers movement, and is considered one of the most influential American Rhone producers.
Within a 250-acre (100 ha) area, the vineyard area extends 60 acres (24 ha), and is planted with varieties Syrah, Viognier and Roussanne. Grenache and Roussanne are also sourced from vineyards located in the warmer Paso Robles AVA.
Among the vineyard designate wines produced are the Lorraine Vineyard, Reva Vineyard Syrah and Seymour's Vineyard Syrah. Alban also produces Pandora, a blend of Grenache and Syrah, and a botrytized dessert wine.
California is the heartland of wine production in the US, and the state that brought prestige to American wine thanks to the pioneers who built early wineries like Staglin, Beringer, Ridge, Mayacamas and Chateau Montelena in the 1800s. Its large geographic area ensures a great diversity in growing sites, varieties grown, and quality levels. Generalizations about the state's wines have numerous exceptions; however, a few key facts generally hold true—ample sunshine, dry weather during the growing season, and moderate winters prevail. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to dominate the state's production—albeit in continually smaller percentages, as growers continue to diversify. More than 100 different varieties can be found throughout the state.
Collector Data For This Wine
- 69 bottles owned
- 28 collectors