Tasting Notes
Vinous 94-96
The 2010 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard emerges from a well-drained site rich in chalk and flint. Savory herbs, new leather, smoke, tar and tobacco all take on expressive aromatic overtones. Sumptuous and intensely perfumed, the Seymour’s has more than enough density to stand up to the 100% new oak. Veins of underlying, saline chalkiness reappear on the finish, adding further complexity. [Antonio Galloni, 01/07/2014]
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2027
Robert Parker 95
The 2010 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard is a dense, structured effort that will require bottle age to fully round into form. Iron, mineral, black cherry and new saddle leather all emerge here and it’s firm and edgy on the palate, with ample tannin, knockout mid-palate depth and no shortage of length on the finish. Give it 3-5 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15 years. Drink 2017-2032. Located at the very southern end of the Edna Valley and residing in its own little micro climate, Alban Vineyards, under the guidance of John Alban, is a reference point for Rhone varieties in the world today. Looking at the vintages reviewed here, both 2009 and 2010 are strong, with the 2009s possessing plenty of sweet fruit and relatively approachable profiles, and the 2010s showing slightly more structure, with lively acidity and big frames that will fill in once bottled. As is common with John’s Syrahs, these continue to gain in richness and depth as they mature in barrel (they see upwards of 4 years in barrel) and really don’t show all of their material and richness until 4-5 years after the vintage. In addition to his single vineyard Syrahs, I was blown away by his Mourvedre-dominated Forsythe and the Grenache-heavy Pandora (which comes from a single plot of chalky soils). Both are up near the pinnacle of what’s coming out of California today and should not be missed. Tel. (805) 546-0305; www.albanvineyards.com [08/29/2013]
Anticipated maturity: 2017-2032
