2004 Alban Syrah Reva Estate
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Tasting notes
The 2004 Syrah Reva is classic in style, with its iodine, olive and salty, marine-like character front and center. Coming from the gravelly, sandy clay loam soils on the estate, it shows more textbook Syrah character with air (very northern Rhone-like) and has first rate complexity, gorgeous dark fruit and brilliant overall purity. Showing almost no evolution, with full-bodied richness, fine tannin and a balanced, fresh and lengthy profile, it will continue to drink beautifully for another decade or more. The two Grenache based efforts both come from the original Grenache plantings on the estate which, according to John, were put in because he didn’t know what to do with the vines and was trying to build up cuttings. Moving to the Syrahs, each comes from specific soil types and is named after a family member, with the Reva named after John’s Mother, the Lorraine after his wife, and Seymour’s after his father. All of the Syrahs spend close to 42 months in oak. Tel. (805) 546-0305; www.albanvineyards.com
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby. Deep aromas of blackberry, violet, bacon fat, smoked meat and mocha. Then supersweet, chewy and lush, with explosive dark berry flavors complicated by game, charred oak, mocha and a saline nuance. Finishes with big, broad, dusty tannins and superb length. I actually thought this lacked a bit of verve on the nose, but there's plenty of acidity and grip on the back.
The 2004 Syrah Reva is classic in style, with its iodine, olive and salty, marine-like character front and center. Coming from the gravelly, sandy clay loam soils on the estate, it shows more textbook Syrah character with air (very northern Rhone-like) and has first rate complexity, gorgeous dark fruit and brilliant overall purity. Showing almost no evolution, with full-bodied richness, fine tannin and a balanced, fresh and lengthy profile, it will continue to drink beautifully for another decade or more. Apr 2014, www.robertparker.com