Alban Vineyards

“California is awash in interesting wines made from Rhone Valley Varietals, but John Alban is the spiritual and qualitative leader of the movement, turning out sumptuous, majestic, potentially long-lived offerings.”  - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 138

In the realm of California wine, John Alban stands tall as a visionary pioneer, the driving force behind Alban Vineyards – the first American winery to wholly embrace Rhône varieties like Syrah and Grenache. As a trailblazer in the "Rhone Rangers" movement, a band of intrepid producers committed to these once-overlooked grapes, Alban has demonstrated that California's terroir can coax forth wines of stunning depth and complexity from these varieties. Today, Alban Vineyards is heralded as a benchmark for excellence in the world of Rhône-style wines, a rare gem in the market not only for its groundbreaking history but also for the exclusivity of its fully allocated bottlings.

Alban Vineyards Origins: The Allure of the Rhône

John Alban's love affair with Rhône wines began with a fateful sip of Condrieu on his 24th birthday. This pivotal moment ignited a passion that would shape the direction of his life and the landscape of California wine. Despite knowing very little about the wine, he could see himself producing exceptional wines that defied convention. His research at U.C. Davis revealed that Viognier was the grape of Condrieu, and this discovery ignited his passion for Rhone varieties. Driven by a desire to learn more, John pursued a Master's in enology at Davis, immersing himself in the world of Rhone wines. His quest for knowledge led him to apply for a scholarship from the Franco-American Chamber of Commerce, providing him with the opportunity to explore the Rhone Valley in France.

Determined to bring these fascinating grape varieties to California, Alban embarked on a quest to find the perfect terroir to showcase these styles. His search led him to the sun-kissed hills of Edna Valley, a hidden gem of California's Central Coast whose Mediterranean climate echoes that of the Rhône Valley. Here, Alban found the perfect conditions to craft his distinctive wines, enabling the grape varieties to flourish and reveal their character.

Alban Wines: From Viognier & Roussanne to Syrah & Grenache

John Alban's journey into the world of wine began with a simple question: Why does Europe ferment over 500 grape varieties while California sticks to about six? Even more puzzling was the fact that people predominantly consumed only two of those six varieties – Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. Little did he know that this curiosity would set him on a path to challenge the status quo.

Driven by newfound knowledge and a deep appreciation for Rhone varieties, John faced the challenge of bringing these grapes to California. With limited availability of Grenache Noir, Roussanne, and Viognier, and poorly documented Syrah clones, he spent years propagating vines from a handful of selections. The result: a groundbreaking release of pure Roussanne in 1991, marking a significant milestone in California winemaking.

Alban wines are celebrated for their structure and harmonious balance, showcasing Old World grapes through the lens of New World terroir. The estate's single-vineyard expressions are especially cherished for their aging potential, with Syrah, the winery's flagship variety, taking center stage in four vineyard-designated bottlings: Seymour's, Reva, Lorraine, and Patrina. Pandora, a lush and vibrant Grenache-based blend, is another standout in the Alban portfolio. Together, these top Alban wines exemplify the distinct character of California while revealing the full potential of the grapes.

Alban Vineyards: Championing The Rhone Movement

Undeterred by the skepticism surrounding lesser-known varieties, John set out in hope to share his Viognier and Roussanne with the rest of the wine world. What he discovered on his journey was a global community open to the idea that taste trumped varietal recognition, making him the pioneer of the Rhone movement in the US. As more people embraced the diversity, Rhone varieties flourished in California. Alban Vineyards played a pivotal role, providing cuttings that contributed to the surge in Viognier and Syrah plantings.

The New World Trailblazer: Paving the Way for Sine Qua Non and Beyond

By the early 1990s, Alban's single-vineyard Rhône-style wines had earned him a reputation as a trailblazer, forging a new path for New World winemakers. In 1994, an Austrian émigré, Manfred Krankl, recognized the exceptional quality of the Alban vineyards and purchased grapes from the site, setting the stage for the legacy of Napa's infamous Sine Qua Non. Krankl and his wife Elaine produced their first 100 cases of what is now the winery Sine Qua Non's maiden vintage – the 'Queen of Spades'.

Alban garnered the admiration of industry giants like Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non, who purchased fruit from Alban on many occasions, and renowned critic Robert Parker, who hailed Alban as "the spiritual and qualitative leader" of the California Rhône wine scene. Today, Alban's wines are celebrated for their quality and complexity, rivaling Sine Qua Non's coveted bottlings while remaining more accessible in price. Alban Reva may be hailed as on par with Sine Qua Non and at an impressive fraction of the price, 30% less to be exact! These wines have definitely made their mark on the wine scene.

Alban Terroir: Deeper Look at Edna Valley in Central Coast, California

The Edna Valley was the first AVA to be granted in 1982 in San Luis Obispo County. Edna Valley benefits from a Mediterranean climate moderated by the cooling influence of the nearby Pacific Ocean. This geographical advantage provides a long, mild growing season, ideal for the slow and even ripening of grapes. The valley's topography, with its undulating hills and varying elevations, further contributes to the complexity of its terroir.

One of the defining features of Edna Valley's terroir is its diverse soil composition. From volcanic loam to gravelly clay, each vineyard site within the valley boasts a unique soil profile. This diversity not only influences the flavors and aromas of the grapes but also plays a crucial role in drainage, water retention, and nutrient availability – all critical factors for grapevine health and wine quality.

The Valley's proximity to the Pacific Ocean introduces a maritime influence that sets it apart from other regions. Cool ocean breezes and fog gently roll into the valley, creating distinct microclimates. This cooling effect allows for a more extended growing season, preserving acidity in the grapes and imparting a vibrant freshness to the wines.

Alban Wine: Exceptional Terroir for Exceptional Wine

The Alban Estate Vineyard is renowned for its exceptional terroir. The vines thrive in a landscape marked by neutral sandy soils and portions of ranch that are chalky and quite alkaline. Factoring in the perfect sun exposure, the grapes can reach their fullest potential.

Alban Syrah: Age-Worthy Magnificence

With its impeccable structure and balance, the Alban Vineyard Syrahs are wines that promise to age gracefully. Whether you choose to savor it now or save for the future, it's an investment in vinous excellence that will reward your patience.

As a fully-allocated winery, Alban Vineyards' wines are seldom found outside of their mailing list, making them highly sought-after by collectors. Discover the legacy of John Alban's pioneering spirit and experience the groundbreaking wines that set the standard for California Syrah!