2002 Alban Roussanne Estate
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Tasting notes
(14. 8% alcohol) Full gold color. Aromas of dried peach, peach skin, honey, butterscotch, minerals and roasted nuts. Dense, smoky and rich, with complex flavors of peach, orange, minerals and acacia honey. A bit tight on the back end, with some unabsorbed alcohol giving the finish a slight bitterness.
Critic scores
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2002 Roussanne Estate’s texture is reminiscent of a Montrachet. Although huge, expansive, and full-bodied, it is remarkably light on its feet. These wines can be a bit chunky, but the Albans have gotten this vintage right. Some of the lanolin oily viscosity of low yield Roussanne is evident in this full-bodied 2002. It offers knock-out aromatics of flowers, roasted nuts, burning wax, tropical fruit, and allspice in a full-throttle format. It is always difficult to crystal ball how these wines will behave as some vintages seem to oxidize quickly and others do not. This 2002 is so gorgeous at present, I would opt for drinking it over the next 2-3 years. Most of these wines are sold via Alban’s mailing list, so if you love Rhone Ranger wines, it’s time to enjoy these remarkable offerings. Tel. (805) 546-0305; Fax (805) 546-9879