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2018 Alban Vineyards Lorraine Vineyard Syrah

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased direct from a distributor; Consignor is original owner

Light label condition issue

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased direct from a distributor; Consignor is original owner

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

100The Wine Advocate

...precise, layered aromatics: Morello cherries complement wafts of wild mint, cracked pepper, chargrilled meat, sage and bitter chocolate...full-bodied palate is plush and luxurious, its concentrated core of sweet fruit supported by loads of powdery tannins and mouthwatering acidity, and it finishes with tremendous length. Wow!

100Jeb Dunnuck

...black raspberry, white chocolate, flowery incense, baking spices, and peppery aromas and flavors...endearing elegance, suppleness, and just sheer charm.

96Wine Spectator

A wine with precision, torque and personality, this is jammed with deep black raspberry and dark plum flavors that are laced with mocha espresso, licorice, stony mineral and fruitcake spices as it builds richness on the luxurious finish.

96Vinous / IWC

Hugely perfumed, spice-accented cherry liqueur, cassis and blackberry aromas are complemented by suggestions of smoked meat, licorice and pungent flowers. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering intense, smoke-accented black and blue fruit...outstanding energy and spicy thrust on the impressively long finish...

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.

TYPE

Red Wine, Syrah (Shiraz)

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.

VINTAGE

2018 Alban Vineyards Lorraine Vineyard Syrah