Wine Spectator | Rating: 93
An intriguing mix of complex flavors that weaves together, creating a mosaic of dark berry, fresh earth, black licorice, light mocha and savory notes, firming midpalate and sailing along on the finish.Author: James LaubeWine Advocate | Rating: 95
Coming from the coolest vintage on record at the time (before 2011), the 2010 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard still hit 15.2% natural alcohol, of which it doesn't show a trace. Possessing the telltale Iodine and seaweed character this cuvee always shows, it has lots of darker fruits, smoked herbs, black olive and a touch of floral aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, concentrated, firm and structured, it's a serious, age-worthy wine from John that should be forgotten for 4-5 years.Author: Jeb DunnuckInternational Wine Cellar | Rating: 93
Inky purple. Deeply pitched aromas of dark berries, cherry compote, smoky herbs, dried flowers and Indian spices. Dense and velvety on the palate, with chewy red and dark berry flavors, smoky minerality and youthfully firm tannins. Gains sweetness on a long, sappy finish that strongly repeats the dark berry note.Author: Josh RaynoldsIssue: November/December 2013
Self | Rating: 95
Author: Southbound Union
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
- 176 bottles owned
- 46 collectors
- Average collector rating: 95
(Out of 46 collectors)