Wine Advocate | Rating: 95
Incorporating 10% Syrah, the Grenache-dominated 2011 Pandora comes from a single block of chalky soils in the Seymour's Vineyard. More floral and exotic than the straight Grenache release, it has beautiful currant, blackberry, violets, toasted spice and licorice aromas and flavors all emerging from the glass. Full-bodied, supple and sexy, with great acidity, it's slightly more expansive, sexy and textured than that more concentrated, yet streamlined Grenache release, and as such will drink better in its youth.Drink Dates: 2016-2026Author: Jeb Dunnuck
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
- 33 bottles owned
- 14 collectors