B-21 Top Recommendation Read More
"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. |