2012 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard
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Tasting notes
(raised in French oak for 44 months) Bright violet. Ripe cherry, dark berries and a hint of fruitcake on the intensely perfumed nose, and a smoky mineral quality in the background. Sappy blackberry and cherry liqueur flavors gain depth and sweetness with air. Opens up and becomes spicier on the impressively persistent, dark-fruit-dominated finish, which features supple tannins and lingering smokiness. Sep 16, www.vinous.com, Drink: 2018-2023
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
There are 750 cases (which means good yields for John, although any normal person would call 1.5-1.75 tons per acre financial suicide) of the 2012 Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard, and it's a terrific vintage for this cuvee. Elegant, pretty, even finesse driven, with its classic marine and salty bouquet of smoke, purple fruits, olives and violets, this full-bodied Syrah has no hard edges, integrated acidity and a great finish. It's reasonably approachable now, but deserves 2-4 years of cellaring. Aug 2016, www.robertparker.com
Bold, rich, ripe and unabashedly Californian, offering expressive aromas of blackberry, blueberry and fruitcake spices that combine with deeply structured flavors of smoky bacon, roasted herb and fresh pepper. Feb 17, www.winespectator.com, Drink: 2017-2027