2011 Alban Vineyards Alban Estate Vineyard Grenache

Alban Vineyards is in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County, on the central coast of California. Founded in 1986 by John and Lorraine Alban, the 66-acre estate was one of the original “Central Coast Rhone Rangers.” Like many of its newer neighbors, Alban Vineyards focuses entirely on making Rhone Valley style wines. The estate makes a limited amount of wine, which is hard to find, given the critic’s usual high regard for Alban’s Syrahs, Grenaches, Mourvedres and Viogniers. Robert M. Parker Jr. calls Alban Vineyards “the great shining success story of Edna Valley,” adding that the estate “is a stunning source for terrific wines.” Alban also shares some DNA with its famous neighbor in Ventura County, Sine Qua Non. Manfred Krankl, SQN founder and winemaker, trained with John Alban before starting SQN. Krankl made some of his first vintages in partnership with John Alban, a celebrated and influential winemaker.

Edna Valley AVA is within San Luis Obispo County, and within the large Central Coast AVA. Edna Valley became an AVA in 1982 and it includes 22,400 acres of extremely fertile land blessed with a long growing season. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the principal grapes, though Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Albarino, Grenache, Viognier, Merlot and Petite Sirah also are grown. Spanish missionaries were growing grape vines in the Edna Valley in the 18th century, but the valley’s modern wine industry took off in the 1970s. Today there are more than 50 Edna Valley wineries.

One of the most popular red varieties planted, it ripens late and prefers hot dry climates. It probably originated in Spain, where it is still widely grown. Grenache is best known for its use in Southern Rhone wines, including those of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.