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2018 Alban Vineyards Pandora

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Latest Sale Price

September 1, 2024 - $190

Estimate

RATINGS

99Jeb Dunnuck

...bouquet of red and dark fruits, chalky minerality, camphor, black licorice, and subtle incense notes...full-bodied, deep, concentrated 2018 is perfectly balanced, has ultra-fine tannins, and a great, great finish.

97The Wine Advocate

...alluring aromas of blueberry and red and black cherry jam with tones of powdered sugar, aniseed, orange peel and salami, offering up more aromatic nuances as it airs in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with a balance of intense red fruit and savory tobacco tones, its layered flavors calling you in for another sip. Structured with fine, powdery tannins and refreshing bursts of acidity, the long finish...

97Vinous / IWC

Expressive cherry, raspberry and incense aromas are complemented by suave floral and exotic spice nuances. Sappy, seamless and penetrating on the palate, offering appealingly sweet, mineral-drenched red fruit liqueur, spicecake and candied lavender flavors that deepen as the wine opens up. Shows resonating red fruit and floral character on the wonderfully persistent, finely detailed finish, which is framed by polished, deftly interwoven tannins.

97James Suckling

Asphalt and oil with blackberries follow through to a full body with medium tannins that are firm and velvety. Lots of game and animal undertones. Very long and intense. Creamy tannins and so delicious.

PRODUCER

Alban Vineyards

Alban Vineyards is in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County, on the central coast of California. Founded in 1986 by John and Lorraine Alban, the 66-acre estate was one of the original “Central Coast Rhone Rangers.” Like many of its newer neighbors, Alban Vineyards focuses entirely on making Rhone Valley style wines. The estate makes a limited amount of wine, which is hard to find, given the critic’s usual high regard for Alban’s Syrahs, Grenaches, Mourvedres and Viogniers. Robert M. Parker Jr. calls Alban Vineyards “the great shining success story of Edna Valley,” adding that the estate “is a stunning source for terrific wines.” Alban also shares some DNA with its famous neighbor in Ventura County, Sine Qua Non. Manfred Krankl, SQN founder and winemaker, trained with John Alban before starting SQN. Krankl made some of his first vintages in partnership with John Alban, a celebrated and influential winemaker.

REGION

United States, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley

Edna Valley AVA is within San Luis Obispo County, and within the large Central Coast AVA. Edna Valley became an AVA in 1982 and it includes 22,400 acres of extremely fertile land blessed with a long growing season. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the principal grapes, though Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Grenache, Viognier, Merlot and Petite Sirah also are grown. Spanish missionaries were growing grape vines in the Edna Valley in the 18th century, but the valley’s modern wine industry took off in the 1970s. Today there are more than 50 Edna Valley wineries.

VINTAGE

2018 Alban Vineyards Pandora