Alban 2021 Patrina Syrah

Brand new Syrah release from John Alban - limited.

94 Points Jeb Dunnuck: "The Alban 2021 Patrina checks in as 90% Syrah and 10% Viognier that was bottled in March of 2024. It has a beautifully perfumed, complex, nuanced style in its darker berry-fruited, peppery, floral violet, and subtle orange blossom-like aromas and flavors. I love its overall balance, it has silky, polished tannins, and just a classic, seamless, incredibly impressive style. It’s a terrific introduction to the wines of this incredible estate.

94 Point Wine Spectator: "Plump and polished, with sleekly layered black raspberry flavors that are accented by dark chocolate, savory meat and cracked pepper tones that sail on the long and savory finish. Drink now through 2033."

94 Points Vinous: "The 2021 Patrina, the entry-level red wine in the Alban range, includes press fractions from the higher-end bottlings, though you'd never know. There's great roundness and impressively velvety tannins here, with pure, clear, inky berry fruit driving through the very long, creamy finish. This is so well integrated and graceful. Very Alban, all the way."

92 Points Robert Parker: "The Alban 2021 Syrah Patrina includes 10% Viognier and was aged in 60% new French oak. The nose is dominated by black and purple fruits with additional nuances of charcoal dust, leather and dusty gravel playing supporting roles. The medium-bodied palate displays good freshness and easygoing fruit flavors flanked by savory tinges. The finish is charming and direct, with fine tannins that provide a subtle grip. While already quite approachable, this entryway into the Alban lineup will surely reward a few years in the cellar."

Brix26 Inside Scoop:  Intermittently, Alban Vineyards produced a 'Central Coast Syrah' which was never predictable in either when it was made or its quantity but was always tremendously popular.  With each sporadic release, it became undeniable that lots of people wanted this wine. Likewise, it became painfully clear to Alban that without control of the vineyards from which this wine would derive, nothing about it would ever be reliable.  In 2005, Alban discontinued purchasing grapes for the Central Coast Syrah to develop his own vineyards and the 'Patrina' Syrah was born.