North is the new Pinot Noir from the Central Coast Rhone Master John Alban. Extremely limited. 96 Points Robert Parker: "Another sensational wine released under the North label, there are 200 cases of the 2013 Pinot Noir and, like the Chardonnay, it had just been bottled a little over a week prior to my visit. A rich, full-flavored beauty that doesn't put a foot wrong and still offers fabulous Pinot Noir typicity, it reveals a ruby translucent color to go with classic currants, forest floor, licorice and assorted earthy, underbrush aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, layered, seamless and perfectly balanced, with terrific intensity and length, it's a gorgeous effort to drink anytime over the coming decade, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve longer...These Pinots and Chardonnays all come from John Alban's estate in the Edna Valley. Without a doubt, these 2013s are the greatest I've tasted from him." Starting in 1985, John Alban planted grapes for other people until he bought an estate in 1989. With a focus on creating wines made from Rhône Valley varietals, Alban came to be a pioneer of the Rhone Rangers movement, and is considered one of the most influential American Rhone producers. Though the focus is on rhone varieties, the Alban pinot noir is a beautiful, fill flavored wine. The richness of the wine is emphsized, which is typical of Alban wines, and the pinot is beautifully balanced.
Sipping Fine Wine
Aged in French oak (60% new). Dark berry fruit aromas with earth, spice & floral. On the palate black cherry and raspberry flavors with smoke and spice notes. Well balanced with fine tannins needing more time in the bottle. Lingering finish ending with earthy mineral characteristics. Tasting Sample.
Aged in French oak (60% new). Dark berry fruit aromas with earth, spice & floral. On the palate black cherry and raspberry flavors with smoke and spice notes. Well balanced with fine tannins needing more time in the bottle. Lingering finish ending with earthy mineral characteristics. Tasting Sample.
8.9Daniel Taub
First #sundaywinedown wine. A good start. Cheers
First #sundaywinedown wine. A good start. Cheers
9.1WARNING: DRINKING DISTILLED SPIRITS, BEER, COOLERS, WINE AND OTHER ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES MAY INCREASE CANCER RISK, AND, DURING PREGNANCY, CAN CAUSE BIRTH DEFECTS.