2014 Alban Vineyards, Pandora, Edna Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD 98 "(Alban Vineyards Pandora Red) Even better, the extraordinary 2014 Pandora (100% Grenache) boasts a vibrant purple color as well as heavenly notes of assorted dark fruits, graphite, smoked herbs, and cured meats. It’s deep, layered, full-bodied, and multi-dimensional on the palate, with fabulous concentration and depth, yet it always stays light, seamless, and graceful, with thrilling purity of fruit. It too will benefit from short-term cellaring and shine for 15 years or more. This was another brilliant tasting with California Rhône pioneer John Alban. The current releases here are the 2014s, which are from a vintage that reminds me of the 2006s with their incredible richness and depth. These are thrilling wines that are going to age just about forever. The 2015s were mostly tasted out of barrel and at this stage are tight, firm, and focused, with plenty of obvious structure. These are going to continue putting on weight with time in barrel, and it’s certainly another terrific vintage from this reference point estate. These are awesome, world-class wines in every way. (Drink between 2018-2033)" Jeb Dunnuck