2014 Alban Vineyards, Seymour's Vineyard Syrah, Edna Valley, Bottle (750ml)

JD98 "The 2014 Seymour's comes from a higher elevation site that’s hammered by the winds off the Pacific Ocean. Classic Seymour’s all the way with its huge nose of black fruits, tobacco, ground pepper, crushed rocks, and ample meatiness, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, building tannins, and a great finish. While the Seymour’s is always the most backward and austere of the three single-vineyard Syrahs, the forward nature of the 2014 vintage shows in the wine’s texture and slightly more charming, forward character. Nevertheless, this brilliant Syrah will cruise for 20+ years in cold cellars. 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." JD Nov 2018