2012 Alban Grenache Alban Estate Vineyard
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
One of the finest Grenache cuvees made in California, the 2012 Grenache's inky ruby/purple color is followed by classic concentrated Grenache notes of black fruits, roasted herbs, licorice and crushed flowers. Full-bodied, incredibly pure, layered and balanced, I wish every reader (and every winemaker who's releasing these barely colored, mid-weight examples of Grenache) could taste this beauty. It has the purity and polish to thrill already, but it will cruise in the cellar for another decade or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Josh Raynolds
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
(aged for 34 months in French oak demi-muids ) Glass-staining ruby. A complex, intensely perfumed bouquet displays aromas of black raspberry liqueur, blueberry, Asian spices and violet, and a smoky mineral nuance emerges with air. Coats the palate with vibrant red and blue flavors; juicy acidity and a jolt of white pepper provide vivacity and lift. Impressively balanced for its heft, finishing with powerful thrust and smooth tannins that fold quickly into the sappy dark fruit. I'd have guessed that there was more Syrah in here.
Opaque ruby. Smoky, deeply pitched dark berry, floral pastille and cola scents show excellent clarity and a powerful Indian spice overtone. Smooth, broad and sweet, offering potent blackberry and boysenberry flavors that become spicier with air. A particularly rich rendition of the variety, which I usually associate with red fruits. Finishes smooth, spicy and extremely long, with lingering floral character and supple tannins that are no match for the wine's intense, concentrated fruit.