TN: 2005 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard

WINE TALK
#1
  • 2005 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (9/5/2009)
    A bit sweet at first, but after decanting for 2 hours this really spreads its wings. Unabashedly big, black fruit, tarry, some heat, but wow what a joyous palate. I really take pleasure in John Alban’s wines. I have had other Reva’s that are more compelling, but this is still wonderfully pleasurable. (91 pts.)

Posted from CellarTracker

#2

Nice, Eric! Thanks for the report. We were just talking about John’s wines and his dad, Seymour (Sy) tonight.

#3

I’ve been holding on to a few of these, but haven’t tasted yet. The only vintage that I really have any experience with is '03 which I found to be excellent. If you had the '03 how does this compare?

#4

I think the 2003 is the biggest and best Reva I have ever had. It only continues to improve. This 2005 is not quite in that league, but it is certainly a very enjoyable wine.

#5

Thanks Eric

#6

Eric,

Since you happened to post a bunch of notes at the same time, I couldn’t help but notice that 91 points seems a bit low in light of the words you use in your notes. Do you have a system for assigning point? I guess my scoring “system” is mostly a pleasure meter, so your note reads like a 94 or higher to me.

#7

Ken, 91 was low for this, intentionally low really since I gave it a 95 first time I had this wine. The thing is that I have had a lot more Reva from other vintages, so I was just putting this in context.

#8

Reminds me of an old joke:

A doctor, a lawyer, and a statistician go duck hunting.

The doctor shoots at a duck flying by and misses it by 2 feet in front. The lawyer takes a shot and misses it by 2 feet behind. The statistician jumps up and yells “We got it!”

#9

The 2005 Alban Reva drank at SLONYC last week was absolutely horrendous. One of the biggest disappointments, for me, in a long time.

#10

What a great guy…
How is he doing?