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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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The 2021 Patrina checks in as 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier that was bottled in March of 2024. It has a beautifully perfumed, complex, nuanced style in its darker berry-fruited, peppery, floral violet, and subtle orange blossom-like aromas and flavors. I love its overall balance, it has silky, polished tannins, and just a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style. It’s a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate.
94 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Aug 2024)
The 2021 Patrina, the entry-level red wine in the Alban range, includes press fractions from the higher-end bottlings, though you'd never know. There's great roundness and impressively velvety tannins here, with pure, clear, inky berry fruit driving through the very long, creamy finish. This is so well integrated and graceful. Very Alban, all the way.
94 points, Billy Norris, Vinous (Aug 2025)
Plump and polished, with sleekly layered black raspberry flavors that are accented by dark chocolate, savory meat and cracked pepper tones that sail on the long and savory finish. Drink now through 2033. 4,000 cases made.
94 points, Tim Fish, Wine Spectator (Jun 2024)
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