Debbie Hopper

9.6

Saved this from a tasting in Spring of 2014, aged beautifully. Deep, complex, full of body and clean finish — 5 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!! — 7 years ago

with Craig

Ted Corvey

9.1

See prior notes. Very solid Rhône style from the original Rhône Ranger. Great producer. — 7 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. — 8 years ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.1

Nice French style wine from the Rhine Ranger and Bonny Doon. February 2017. — 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. — 10 years ago

William Feinstein

9.3

Every time I drink a Two Shepherds wine I wish I had more in my cellar. A true “Rhône ranger” producing some of the best rhône-style wines in California. We all need to drink more Two Shepherds and support innovative winemakers who think about product quality before profit and ratings. Thanks to my dear friend Bruce for introducing me to Two Shepherds and supplying me! — 6 years ago

with Maryalice

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. — 6 years ago

Ivets

10

Sweet and delicious. — 7 years ago

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

Marlee Koenigsberg

9.2

Really good cab sauv at an amazing price. It is smooth and not too oaky in flavor. — 8 years ago

with Matthew

James Forsyth

9.0

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

Dale Garrison

9.3

Roan wine class. Outstanding. Not fruit forward but not overly Tanic either. Smooth, subtle pallet. rich but not to earthy. — 6 years ago

Scott Soren

9.9

Massive extraction and elegance. Almost like an oxymoron. As a Rhône ranger this is near perfection. Will stand up against anything from anywhere. Charcuterie and crushed blackberry are predominate on the nose. Macerated cherry and smoked meats push the palate. Medium acidity and super long finish,make is so enticing. Still has a few years left on it. Find it and enjoy — 6 years ago

Chris Anton

9.4

What a great producer. Lovely hint of coco and blackberry. One of my favorite from Oregon. — 7 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! — 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

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. — 10 years ago