1998 Alban Vineyards, Seymour’s Vineyard Syrah, Edna Valley 1×1.5L

Vinous 92

Saturated ruby. Knockout nose combines blackberry, woodsmoke, bitter chocolate, game, cumin, clove and pepper. Juicy, penetrating and intense, yet almost magically creamy and ripe in the mouth. Captivating flavors of wild dark fruits and spices. Extremely pliant for a wine so fresh. Finishes smooth and persistent, with ripe tannins and palate-cleansing berry flavors. [Stephen Tanzer, 01/05/2001]

Robert Parker 90

The 1998 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard is still relatively firm and closed. Its opaque ruby/purple color is followed by a dense, chewy, tannic, more backward wine revealing more new oak. While loaded with concentrated blackberry and cassis flavors with hints of smoke and underbrush, it requires 1-2 years of cellaring, and should last for 12-18. Tel. (805) 546-0305 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 02/28/2002]

Anticipated maturity: 2003-2020