John Alban makes wonderful Rhone varietal wines. This is almost all Syrah although some references suggest a tiny amount of Viognier. Inky purple in color, opaque and bright. The nose is deep and fresh with black raspberries, bacon fat, black pepper and slight dark chocolate. Full bodied. Medium tannins. On the palate, this is lush and delicious but not over the top. Still pretty youthful. Flavors of black raspberries, black pepper and chocolate. Long finish. This could use more cellaring so if opening soon, give it some air. Drink over the next twenty years.
Usually, I let these age more, but at age 7, this took about an hour to open and then was wonderful. Purple in color, ruby at the rim, opaque and bright. The nose is great with black raspberries, charred meats, black pepper, wild herbs and slight violets. Full bodied. Medium tannins. Great balance. On the palate, this is delicious. Lush flavors of black raspberries, slight black cherries, spice and char. Long finish. This is great on its own and would be great with slow cooked full bodied foods such and beef stew or Roasted Squash. Drink over the next twenty years.
