2001 Alban Vineyards, Seymour’s Vineyard Syrah, Edna Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 92

(15. 8% alcohol) Saturated ruby to the rim. Aromas of blackberry, gunflint and black licorice. Thick, creamy and supersweet, with dark berry and mineral flavors complicated by peppery and saline nuances. Wears its high alcohol as gracefully as a top Chateauneuf du Pape. Finishes with sweet, lush tannins and outstanding length. (Unfortunately, my sample of the 2001 Pandora red wine was corked.) [Stephen Tanzer, 01/01/2005]

Robert Parker 95

The so-called pick of the best barrels (a difficult job at this winery), the 2001 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard (named after John’s father) possesses additional concentration, aromatics, and length. A blue/purple color is followed by meaty flavors that coat the palate with blackberries, mocha, cocoa, earth, and creme de cassis. A tour de force in winemaking, it is a spectacular, rich, broad yet remarkably well-balanced wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. Awesome stuff! Most of these wines are sold via Alban’s mailing list, so if you love Rhone Ranger wines, it’s time to enjoy these remarkable offerings. Tel. (805) 546-0305; Fax (805) 546-9879 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 08/31/2004]

Anticipated maturity: 2004-2019