TN: A Tale of Two Syrahs - The Good (DuMOL), The Bad (Alban)

WINE TALK
1

Was planning on opening a 2004 Copain Eaglepoint Ranch, but instead took a flyer on the Reva…big mistake…

  • 2005 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard - USA, California, Central Coast, Edna Valley (9/12/2009)
    Popped and poured, drank over 5 hours. Overextracted, overripe, overroasted. I’ve been on the list since 2002, this is without a doubt the worst Alban I have ever tasted. Nothing redeeming whatsoever. Hugely disappointing wine.
  • 2006 DuMOL Syrah Russian River Valley - USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley (9/12/2009)
    Popped and poured to wash the taste of the 2005 Reva out of my mouth. Classic nose and mouthfeel. Plums a la plancha, roasted meats, smoke and a hint of white pepper. Balanced and delicious.

Posted from CellarTracker

Thank G-d that I have a locker where I was tasting so I could get the taste of the Reva out of my mouth. I love syrah but the Reva was a caricature.

2

Thanks Brian. Too bad on that Alban.
I’ve not been thrilled with Dumol in the past, but a local place is blowing out the '07s at $35. i think I may grab a couple.
Your '06 sounds great. Thanks.

3

Brian-

You didn’t suggest that your bottle might have been “off.” Given the other CT reviews-which are decent-perhaps this could have been a factor? I haven’t had it, btw.

4

Stu,

I don’t think it was off. I think that it is very overdone, with burnt notes all over it. It tasted and smelled of burned coffee, burned oak, etc.

5

If you didn’t care for the 05, I strongly suggest passing on the 06.