Alban Syrah Edna Valley Seymour's Vineyard 2001

96 points Jeb Dunnuck (Rhone Report): "Drinking beautifully and showing no signs of fading, the blockbuster 2001 Alban Vineyards Syrah Seymour's Vineyard delivers the essence of smoked meat and charcuterie on the nose, with more black fruits, wild herb, and cocoa powder emerging with air. Thrillingly full-bodied and structured on the palate, with a mouth filling, voluptuous texture, superb balance, blockbuster length, this top-flight Syrah could come from nowhere else. While I think it's drinking perfectly now, it should have no problem lasting for another decade or more. (Jun 2012)"

95 points Robert Parker: "The so-called pick of the best barrels (a difficult job at this winery), the 2001 Syrah Seymour’s Vineyard (named after John’s father) possesses additional concentration, aromatics, and length. A blue/purple color is followed by meaty flavors that coat the palate with blackberries, mocha, cocoa, earth, and creme de cassis. A tour de force in winemaking, it is a spectacular, rich, broad yet remarkably well-balanced wine to drink over the next 10-15 years. Awesome stuff! (Aug 2004)"

95 points/'Highly Recommended,' Wine Spectator: "Dark, rich and concentrated, with a heady mix of beef, leather, spice, licorice and wild berry flavors that turn exotic and supple, finishing with a long, persistent aftertaste that keeps revealing extra flavor facets. 275 cases made. (2/29/04)"