TN - '99 Alban Vineyards Pandora (Syrah/Grenache Blend)

Blue Oval,

Glad to hear the steaks were good. The wine sure sounds tasty! I'll have to check into that one. Did you get it of the mailer, or retail?

CWG,
I am on their mailing list, and the '00 will be offered in the spring. This will be even better! Some of their wines are offered retail locally, so it may pay to check for best price. John Alban was the pioneer of Rhone Valley varietals in California, and all of Alban's wines are aged in small barrels, larger demi-muids, and foudres or tanks, and bottled without fining or filtration. I am expecting his fall allocation next month (Grenache, Roussanne, and some Syrah), and this could be a good excuse for another "new" world vs. "old" world tasting . . .

BO

Dark ruby/purple color, with a wild, gamey, beef-blood nose which is mirrored on the palate, along with focused black/blueberry and a long, spicy/peppery finish. Fantastic with olive-oil drizzled lamb shanks. 94 Drink or hold.