Greg

9.3

8 barrel production of whole cluster Syrah grafted in ‘86 long before it was cool to plant cool climate Syrah. A true tour de force wine from the original Rhône ranger in central coast, bob lindquist. The wine is still singing and I’m sad it’s my last bottle because there is probably another 10 years of ageing. Black as night. Great acidity and black cherry fruit. Thank you Poppy. — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Alban Vineyards, the original Rhône Ranger. Of all the CA producers that try to emulate the Rhône style, I believe, Alban Vineyards emulate it best!

On the nose; ripe fruits of mixed berries, savory meats, pork & bacon fat. Mocha, dusty dry brown top soil, powdery volcanic minerals, dry underbrush, vanilla, cherry/raspberry cola, dark, rich black soil, beautiful spice, fresh red & dark florals.

The body is medium to full, round & ripe. Tannins are nicely soften with plenty of life ahead. Ripe; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, creamy raspberries, plum, boysenberries & some blue fruits. Savory meats, pork, bacon fat, dry brush, dry crushed rocks, volcanic minerals, cola, some dark moist soil, limestone, some black licorice, touch of spice & black pepper, red & dark florals with violets, great round acidity and a rich, round, well balanced, elegant finish that lasts & lasts.

Photos of, the Patrina Vineyard, Owner/Winemaker-John Alban, nice Syrah fruit bunch and their barrel room. — 7 years ago

Eric L.

9.0

I wasn't sure what to expect from this white Rhone-ranger blend, but it is really very nice. Excellent weight and concentration, with notes of melons, pears, and lillies. — 8 years ago

P

9.1

jolly ranger dude, solid jolly ranger (blue raspberry + watermelon??) — 9 years ago

with David and Ryan

Konrad Ziegler

9.2

E. Guigal, the ultimate Rhone Ranger! At Cru Wine Bar in Alpharetta. — 9 years ago

Simon

9.7

Rhone ranger 4life — 10 years ago

Larry Frierson

9.2

From my cellar as a mystery bottle. Made by Craig Williams, the original Rhône Ranger. It was still alive and strong. Very Grenache dominant. And he guessed correctly what it was!! — 6 years ago

with Craig

Eric Naslund

9.3

As an American Rhone Ranger fan, it is always great to taste the inspirational source. And wow, how nice was this! 100% Syrah from Hermitage. Now making plans for a Rhone Valley trip in 2019! — 7 years ago

Lawrence Solum

9.2

Lovely Rhône ranger. Intense fruit. — 8 years ago

Jeremy Kath

9.3

Absolutely killer Rhone Ranger. 40% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, 20% syrah. Easily has another 5 years of life. — 8 years ago

Christian

9.0

Aroma of vanilla, honey, and light smoke with some sherry and oak (or mesquite, not sure what mesquite smells like). Flavors of sherry, smoked wood, pepper, and pear. Pleasant spicy and lasting finish. Interesting! — 9 years ago

Juan Menendez

9.2

Nicely balanced. This is one of the least oaky Clios I've had. I was expecting an oak monster and instead got treated to a beautiful Mediterranean rich and complex red. A mythical cross between a Mourvèdre heavy CDP and a Paso Rhine ranger. Reminded me of why there was a time when I loved these Clios. — 9 years ago

Bruce K

8.9

I was looking for Touburg but no luck so I got this to go with charcoal bbq burgers...fantastic..good bodie nice flavours — 9 years ago

Ted Corvey

9.1

See prior notes. Very solid Rhône style from the original Rhône Ranger. Great producer. — 6 years ago

Ivets

10

Sweet and delicious. — 6 years ago

Cj Siege

8.9

(2012 vintage)Nose is redundant of black pepper, dry leaves, and rich soil. Maybe blueberry shrubs? Palate has a good bit of heat, lots of sun-warmed earthiness. Some dark fruit high notes, but very restrained. This may get more interesting as time passes... My inner Rhône Ranger is pleased! — 7 years ago

James Forsyth

9.0

Second time I've tried this. Struck by the viscosity. Pretty intense. — 8 years ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.1

Nice French style wine from the Rhine Ranger and Bonny Doon. February 2017. — 9 years ago

Sean Horrigan

9.4

This 100 percent Grenache is in a sweet spot now, all delicious black berry fruit but with plenty of finesse. Dead-ringer for Gigondas. Winemaker Sean Boyd is a Rhone ranger! — 9 years ago

Jim McCusker

9.3

Manfred's 2014 incarnation of his grenache-driven rose is a beast! Probably committing infaticide by drinking this now (should probably sit in the cellar another year), this has a depth that you associate with a great red (the nose is all Rhone Ranger, but the mouthfeel is more like a Grand Cru burgundy). Definitely needs to be chilled a bit, as the 15.9% alcohol overwhelms the fruit if the wine is too warm. Not my favorite rose from Manfred - The Pontiff still holds the #1 spot - but this is a terrific way to spend a magnificent Michigan evening with my beautiful wife! — 9 years ago

with Vanessa