2008 Alban Vineyards, Reva Alban Estate Syrah, Edna Valley, Bottle (750ml)

RP96+ "The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a “super-Reva!” AG for TWA Aug 2012

JD96 "Showing superbly from bottle and the most seamless, elegant Reva I’ve tasted, the 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard was the only Syrah producer in ’08, and as such, got the grapes that would have normally gone into the Seymour’s and Lorraine bottlings. It offers up a singular bouquet of smoked black fruits, iron, beef blood, tobacco, and hints of lavender that flows to a full-bodied, rich, and supremely graceful and finesse driven palate. Aged for close to four years in 80% new French oak, it does not show a trace of oak and has stunning purity of fruit, integrated acidity, and a light, gorgeously textured mouth feel that has building richness and depth. Already approachable and a joy to drink (give it an hour in the decanter), it will be relatively early maturing, but I suspect, will also age gracefully for 10-15 years given its balance and overall harmony." JD Dec 2012

"This is a fabulous set of wines from John and Lorraine Alban. Quite simply, I was blown away by what I tasted. Most of the current releases are 2008s, a vintage Alban describes as characterized by a spring frost, drought and cloudy days with less heat and sunlight than is typically the case. Readers may want to check out my video interview with John Alban for more on current and upcoming vintages'" AG for TWA Aug 2012