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B-21 Top Recommendation
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"John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings." - Wine Advocate
Fans of cult-calber California Rhône wines need no introduction to this iconic estate, as Alban has long been the standard bearer for the pinnacle of what these varietals can achieve in California's Central Coast. A glowing critical track record a mile long points to some of the Golden State's most inimitable bottlings, and John Alban's style is the benchmark by which many other producers judge their own work. As Jeb Dunnuck remarks, "I don't think anyone is doing Rhône varieties better."
Leading off this limited-quantity opportunity, the estate's flagship 2021 Patrina is "a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate" thanks to its "a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style" according to Dunnuck. Showcasing the estate's world-class single-vineyard Syrahs, the double 98-point 2019 Reva is a showpiece of jaw-dropping class, "breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity," as described by Decanter. Likewise, Dunnuck calls the 99-point 2019 Lorraine "ultra-classic ... a full-bodied, round, velvety textured, utterly seamless Syrah with ripe tannins, a great mid-palate, and a gorgeous finish that keeps you coming back to the glass." Finally, the newly arrived 2020 Seymour's Syrah is "magical stuff ... a heavenly bottle of wine that will most likely merit a triple-digit rating in 4-6 years."
Fans of the estate will once again be over the moon for the latest renditions, but anyone who's a fan of the very best offerings from California should jump at the chance to experience these singular expressions, especially at our razor-sharp, market-leading pricing. |
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Moving to the Syrahs, the 2019 Syrah Reva reveals a much cooler climate-like style in its blackberry, graphite, pepper, and bouquet garni-like nuances, and it picks up an almost Cornas-like game and white pepper character with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe yet polished tannins, and a great finish. It reminds me slightly of the 2018, although with slightly less concentration. It will evolve for 20-25 years.
98 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2023)
Unabashedly powerful yet visceral and alluring, John Alban's Syrah is a benchmark expression of the sun-drenched intensity of the maritime Edna Valley in San Luis Obispo. Smoky, spicy swirls of raspberry preserve, leather and sweet tobacco meld into a palate that's profoundly ripe yet lively and fresh, struck by layers of dusty graphite, ore and iodine. Breathtaking in youth but certain to develop further complexity.
98 points, Anna Lee C. Iijima, Decanter (Feb 2024)
I tasted the 2019 Syrah Reva on July 8, shortly after its bottling in June. The 2019 is particularly elegant, with notable detail and vibrancy. "I've been more curious about the reaction of consumers to the 2019 Reva than I have in a long time," winemaker John Alban explains. "Will they like it? The Reva is very different in 2019." It's a touch aromatically coiled from its recent bottling, taking plenty of time and air to unfold scents of blackcurrants, peppermint patty, charcuterie, coffee beans and brown sugar. The full-bodied palate has a strong spine of refreshing acidity and plush, velvety tannins to balance its depth of flavor, and it offers a beautiful flourish of spice and floral tones that fan across the long finish. It's less ripe and hedonistic than in some vintages yet just as enjoyable! This will be released in the fall of 2023.
96+ points, Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate (Aug 2023)
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