Alban Vineyards

Patrina Alban Estate Syrah

9.280 ratings
9.320 pro ratings
Edna Valley, Central Coast, California, USA
Syrah
Lamb
Top Notes For
Jonathan Wall

The best welcome back wine I could imagine after 40+ days of lent detox. This 9 year old Patrina filled the room with big plush purple Syrah goodness. It’s not a monster... it’s a controlled athlete that packs a wallop! The Mohammed Ali of wine. I’m looking for another 2012...

The best welcome back wine I could imagine after 40+ days of lent detox. This 9 year old Patrina filled the room with big plush purple Syrah goodness. It’s not a monster... it’s a controlled athlete that packs a wallop! The Mohammed Ali of wine. I’m looking for another 2012...

Apr 7th, 2021
Isaac Pirolo

Opened this to put the kibosh on Alabama. And it smells like it just might have those powers. Founded by John Alban in 1989, Alban Vineyards is the first American winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhône varietals. Jeb Dunnuck said “One of the best entry-level wines out there is John's 2012 Syrah Patrina, and it competes with many top cuvees.” I wholeheartedly agree. Patrin is a gypsy word for leaf and grass blades. By mounding up patrin in specific configurations called Patrina, Gypsies mark secret trails that kinsmen can follow to special gathering places. Patrina guide these nomads to the site of what starts out as a simple get together underscored with wine and song. These bohemian celebrations of nothing in particular inevitably escalate with great abandon into wildly hedonistic carousing.
Aromatically virile. Intense aromas of black raspberry and kirsch, star anise, white flowers, violets, pepper, and baking spices. The palate is equally potent and sports a black fruit infused with red fruit character. The lush and ripe fruit is buttressed by layers of licorice, lavender pastille, chocolate, and cured meats. An all-time favorite of mine.

Opened this to put the kibosh on Alabama. And it smells like it just might have those powers. Founded by John Alban in 1989, Alban Vineyards is the first American winery and vineyard established exclusively for Rhône varietals. Jeb Dunnuck said “One of the best entry-level wines out there is John's 2012 Syrah Patrina, and it competes with many top cuvees.” I wholeheartedly agree. Patrin is a gypsy word for leaf and grass blades. By mounding up patrin in specific configurations called Patrina, Gypsies mark secret trails that kinsmen can follow to special gathering places. Patrina guide these nomads to the site of what starts out as a simple get together underscored with wine and song. These bohemian celebrations of nothing in particular inevitably escalate with great abandon into wildly hedonistic carousing.
Aromatically virile. Intense aromas of black raspberry and kirsch, star anise, white flowers, violets, pepper, and baking spices. The palate is equally potent and sports a black fruit infused with red fruit character. The lush and ripe fruit is buttressed by layers of licorice, lavender pastille, chocolate, and cured meats. An all-time favorite of mine.

Nov 5th, 2017
Henrik Poulsen

15.4% alc.
Another great wine from John Alban and Glenn Skrabanik.

15.4% alc.
Another great wine from John Alban and Glenn Skrabanik.

2 people found it helpfulNov 21st, 2015
John Kinney

Not my favorite from Alban- somewhat over ripe with heavy hand on barrels.

Not my favorite from Alban- somewhat over ripe with heavy hand on barrels.

Nov 12th, 2015
Andrew Holloway

2012 patrina

2012 patrina

Oct 29th, 2015
Robert Quick

Rhone Warriors ride again!

Rhone Warriors ride again!

Apr 27th, 2015
John Sweeney

Much better than the '11. Classic Alban minus the good funk you get from Reva, Lorraine and Seymours. Classic Syrah - raspberry, charred earth, blueberries, blackberry, great acidity, long finish. Nice!

Much better than the '11. Classic Alban minus the good funk you get from Reva, Lorraine and Seymours. Classic Syrah - raspberry, charred earth, blueberries, blackberry, great acidity, long finish. Nice!

Apr 17th, 2015
Brian Miracle

Big boy wine. Ripe, yet balanced. This wine will make you slap your mommy!

Big boy wine. Ripe, yet balanced. This wine will make you slap your mommy!

Feb 26th, 2015
Sam Friedland

Very good with prime tenderloin. Some cherry bouquet. Missed the pepper signature of Syrah.

Very good with prime tenderloin. Some cherry bouquet. Missed the pepper signature of Syrah.

May 31st, 2020
Jon Preece

Big bold and beautiful.

Big bold and beautiful.

Apr 2nd, 2019