Alban

Alban 2017 Central Coast Viognier

$ 26.99

One of California's finest Viogniers from the Master John Alban.  Very limited.

93 points Robert Parker:  "I continue to think John's Central Coast Viognier is one of the best values out there. The 2018 Viognier has a wonderful, classic perfume: honeysuckle and quince with an intense core of peachy fruit plus accents of honeyed oats, baker’s yeast and citrus peel. The palate is medium-bodied, intensely flavored and extraordinarily fresh, finishing very long. So lovely!"

92 Points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "Pale green-hued yellow. Sexy, highly perfumed aromas of mineral-accented white peach, Anjou pear, melon and orange zest carry a bright floral overtone that gains strength with air. Juicy, fresh and densely packed, displaying a suave interplay of richness and vivacity to the orchard and pit fruit flavors. Shows impressive power and definition on the strikingly long finish, which strongly echoes the peach and floral qualities."

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Alban Viognier Central Coast and is a serious winner in 2017. Possessing an elegant, medium to full-bodied, ultra-pure profile as well as classic notes of caramelized citrus, white flowers, and hints of orange marmalade, it’s well worth a multi-bottle purchase and will keep for 2-3 years."

John Alban is a pioneering central coast master of Rhône varietals, and his Alban Vineyards label is one of the most sought-out sources for what many consider the pinnacle expressions of these grapes in California. His Viognier wines are routinely hailed as top examples of the varietal, and not just from his neighbors, but from many of the top players in Condrieu as well. From the winery: "We make two Viogniers: A Central Coast bottling that is often more than 75% from our own vineyard, and an Estate bottling. The former showcases the forward heady stone fruit of this variety. It is fermented and aged entirely in stainless steel and bottled early."

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Alban 2016 Patrina Syrah

$ 49.99

Brand new Syrah release from John Alban - limited.

95+ Points Robert Parker:  "The 2016 Syrah Patrina, made of 100% Syrah, has a deep ruby-purple color. The nose opens slowly—and it's worth the wait—opening to very pure aromas of wild blackberries, crushed black cherries, mint leaves, brewed coffee, cracked pepper and violets, giving up more and more nuances with time in the glass. The palate is full-bodied and intense but equally fresh and lifted, finishing very long. This is still youthfully wound, and I expect it may get even better with a few years in bottle."

Brix26 Inside Scoop:  Intermittently, Alban Vineyards produced a 'Central Coast Syrah' which was never predictable in either when it was made or its quantity but was always tremendously popular.  With each sporadic release, it became undeniable that lots of people wanted this wine. Likewise, it became painfully clear to Alban that without control of the vineyards from which this wine would derive, nothing about it would ever be reliable.  In 2005, Alban discontinued purchasing grapes for the Central Coast Syrah to develop his own vineyards and the 'Patrina' Syrah was born.

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Alban 2016 "North" Pinot Noir, Edna Valley

$ 79.00

North is the new Pinot Noir from the Central Coast Rhone Master John Alban. Extremely limited.

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 Rhône Valley varietals, Alban came to be a pioneer of the Rhone Rangers movement, and is considered one of the most influential American Rhone producers. Though the focus is on rhone varieties, the Alban pinot noir is a beautiful, fill flavored wine. The richness of the wine is emphsized, which is typical of Alban wines, and the pinot is beautifully balanced.    

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