2002 Alban Pandora Seymour's Vineyard
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The mammoth 2002 Alban Vineyards Pandora didn’t seem to go over too well with the group but was stunning in its concentration, depth and richness. Heady notes of blackberry, cassis, violets, minerals and scorched earth come leaping out of the glass and the palate is full bodied, textured, precise and very long. Still extremely young, this needs 4 or 5 years in the cellar.
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Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(15.5% alcohol) Medium ruby. High-toned, slightly porty aromas of black raspberry and dark chocolate. Extremely dense and concentrated, with high-toned flavors of raspberry, violet and spices, plus a whiff of meat. This conveys an impression of great energy and definition, and yet it also comes across as seamless. Finishes superlong, with a porty sweetness mitigated by powerful grip.
The 2002 Pandora (a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah) boasts explosive notes of kirsch liqueur, a dense ruby/purple color, considerable elegance, wonderful sweetness as well as ripeness, and a superb 55-second finish. Arguably the finest Pandora produced by John Alban to date, it should drink well young, yet last for 10-15 years. Most of these wines are sold via Alban’s mailing list, so if you love Rhone Ranger wines, it’s time to enjoy these remarkable offerings. Tel. (805) 546-0305; Fax (805) 546-9879