We should all be happy about this as the 2004 Grenache is easily one of the top examples of the variety I’ve tasted from California. Flirting with perfection and reminding me of Clos Saint Jean’s Deus Ex Machina from Chateauneuf du Pape (despite being 100% Grenache and having no Mourvedre in the blend), it will easily stand toe to toe with the greatest southern Rhones out there. Sporting a semi-opaque, youthful ruby color, it offers spectacular aromas and flavors of smoked black cherries, melted licorice, graphite, smoked meats and roasted herbs that continue to evolve and gain in richness and depth with time in the glass. Full-bodied and decadent, yet far from a heavyweight, it is graceful and lively on the palate with no hard edges, perfect balance and a seamless, elegant profile that shows only hints of maturity. When all is said and done, this incredible wine will have 20-25 years of total evolution, and hats off to John for this awesome effort. The two Grenache based efforts both come from the original Grenache plantings on the estate which, according to John, were put in because he didn’t know what to do with the vines and was trying to build up cuttings. Moving to the Syrahs, each comes from specific soil types and is named after a family member, with the Reva named after John’s Mother, the Lorraine after his wife, and Seymour’s after his father. All of the Syrahs spend close to 42 months in oak. Tel. (805) 546-0305; www.albanvineyards.com

Captures the essence of Viognier, with ripe, bright, vivid layers of buttery pear, tangerine, nectarine, melon and tropical fruit flavors. The finish keeps replaying the complex fruit, lively acidity and right dose of oak. Drink now through 2008. 530 cases made.??–null??Region: California / Edna Valley Select to Add