ANTONIO GALLONI'S VINOUS MEDIA 94 POINTS - "A visit to this highly respected estate in the Edna Valley (San Luis Obispo County) was long overdue, as Josh Raynolds most recently covered these wines in 2021. John Alban was a pioneering figure in the region in the early 1990s, hedging his bets on the potential for Rhône varieties to succeed in this maritime-influenced climate with geographic features that resembled the Rhône Valley. The wines quickly generated a cult following after early praise from Robert Parker. Alban Vineyards maintains a loyal roster of mailing list customers to this day that quickly snatch up the majority of the 6,000-or-so cases of wine produced here. John Alban is still heavily involved in winemaking but is now aided by son Jared."
"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."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings, both through his eponymous label and those he inspired and mentored. The Alban wines are unapologetically style-driven, anchored around ripe, forward fruit intensity and the equally unabashed use of extended élevage in new French oak. Although they remain primarily full-throttle examples of the Edna Valley, recent vintages have seen many wines reeled in from some of their prior hedonism, most notably the signature trio of vineyard-designate Syrahs."
"The 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."
"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."
ROBERT PARKER'S WINE ADVOCATE 92 POINTS - "John Alban is a pioneer through and through, having spearheaded the Rhône Ranger movement and set into motion what would become some of the Central Coast's most sought-after bottlings, both through his eponymous label and those he inspired and mentored. The Alban wines are unapologetically style-driven, anchored around ripe, forward fruit intensity and the equally unabashed use of extended élevage in new French oak. Although they remain primarily full-throttle examples of the Edna Valley, recent vintages have seen many wines reeled in from some of their prior hedonism, most notably the signature trio of vineyard-designate Syrahs."
"The 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."
