What I really discovered on my journeys was that compared to the amount of wine I had, there was an abundance of progressively minded folk all over the world open to the idea that delicious is more important than varietal recognition. I am forever indebted to the core group of courageous and passionate wine buyers and sommeliers who championed Alban Vineyards in the early years.
The people who were driven to hand-sell and promote wines that in and of themselves were of little economic significance to them. These 'missionaries' nurtured the fledgling California rhone movement, and with it took our wine trade from black and white into the age of color. I am delighted to see Rhone varieties flourish throughout California and rather overwhelmed by Robert Parker's declaration in The Wine Advocate that I am "...the spiritual and qualitative leader of the movement..."
1999 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 91 pts! The 1999 Pandora (a 200-case Syrah/Grenache blend) is packaged in a designer bottle with an exquisite label. It boasts a huge,...
2002 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 95 pts! The 2002 Pandora (a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) boasts explosive notes of kirsch liqueur, a dense ruby/purple color,...
2001 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 93 pts! The 2001 Pandora (60% Grenache and 40% Syrah) reveals minerality, kirsch liqueur, and the red as well as black fruit spectrum...
2005 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 94+ pts! Alban Vineyards is a California estate with a global reputation for its powerful Rhône-influenced blends and varietal wines, which are all sold on allocation, with...
2006 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 97 pts! Alban Vineyards is a California estate with a global reputation for its powerful Rhône-influenced blends and varietal wines, which are all sold on allocation, with...
2007 Alban Vineyards Pandora Rhone Blend - 95 pts! The 2007 Pandora is an enormous wine endowed with awesome richness and power. Layers of dark fruit flesh out beautifully in...
2004 Alban Vineyards Grenache - 98 pts! Sadly, yields of one-half ton of fruit per acre resulted in minuscule amounts of the knock-out 2004 Grenache. Along with the Sine Qua...
2006 Alban Vineyards Grenache - 96 pts! Alban Vineyards is a California estate with a global reputation for its powerful Rhône-influenced blends and varietal wines, which are all sold on allocation, with a lengthy...
2007 Alban Vineyards Forsythe Mourvedre - 95-97 pts! The black/blue-hued 2007 Forsythe (a blend of 80% Mourvedre and 20% Grenache) is the finest example to date of this offering. Aromas...
