Alban Syrah Edna Valley Reva 2008

96+ points Antonio Galloni (Wine Advocate): "The 2008 Reva (Syrah) is stunningly beautiful. This is a relatively delicate, feminine Reva that impresses for its length, balance and utter purity of fruit. Dark red cherries, flowers, mint and silky, saline notes wrap around the expressive fruit on the long, polished finish. A hint of truffles adds to the wine’s sensual, totally beguiling personality. In 2008, the Reva is drop-dead gorgeous. Readers should note that, in this vintage, there is no Lorraine or Seymour’s, so the 2008 is a 'super-Reva!' (Aug 2012)"

96 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Showing superbly from bottle and the most seamless, elegant Reva I’ve tasted, the 2008 Alban Vineyards Syrah Reva Alban Estate Vineyard was the only Syrah producer in ’08, and as such, got the grapes that would have normally gone into the Seymour’s and Lorraine bottlings. It offers up a singular bouquet of smoked black fruits, iron, beef blood, tobacco, and hints of lavender that flows to a full-bodied, rich, and supremely graceful and finesse driven palate. Aged for close to four years in 80% new French oak, it does not show a trace of oak and has stunning purity of fruit, integrated acidity, and a light, gorgeously textured mouth feel that has building richness and depth. Already approachable and a joy to drink (give it an hour in the decanter), it will be relatively early maturing, but I suspect, will also age gracefully for 10-15 years given its balance and overall harmony. (12/18/12)"

96 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "John Alban's 2008 Syrah Reva impressed for its power, but came across as very, very young. On this day, the oak was a little more pronounced than in previous tastings, something I also heard from a few attendees. Still, all of the pedigree was there. (Jun 2013)"

95-96 points James Suckling: "Love the spice, game and dark berries, yet reserved and austere. Shows form and firmness. Long and beautiful. Should be in market in November 2012. (5/25/12)"

94 points Josh Raynolds (International Wine Cellar): "(raised in French oak, 80% of it new, for 44 months; 15.1% alcohol): Glass-staining purple. Sexy smoke- and spice-accented aromas of candied black and blue fruits and potpourri, with a suggestion of black pepper building with air. Lush and expansive on the palate, offering deeply pitched but lively cassis and blueberry flavors and a suave floral pastille nuance. The spicy note comes back strong on the finish, which shows only a hint of tannins. (Nov/Dec 2012)"