While mapping out one of the possible vineyard locations for Alban Vineyards, founder John Alban happened to name a little ridge on one part of the ranch ‘Reva’s Ridge’. It was a play on words incorporating the name of a Kentucky Derby winner: Riva’s Ridge, and his mother’s name which is Reva. Years later, after calling the vineyard Reva and tagging the first barrel as Reva, he embraced the obvious and named the wine Reva
The grapes that go into Reva (97-100% Syrah with the balance Viognier) are from neutral sandy soils and portions of ranch that are chalky and quite alkaline. This combination makes for a wine with dark color, concentrated flavors of black fruits, fennel, and graphite. The wine is aged 3.5 years in barrels before bottling unfined and unfiltered.
Jeb Dunnuck scored this 98 points saying, "Moving to the Syrahs, the 2019 Syrah Reva reveals a much cooler climate-like style in its blackberry, graphite, pepper, and bouquet garni-like nuances, and it picks up an almost Cornas-like game and white pepper character with time in the glass. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it has a pure, layered, elegant mouthfeel, ripe yet polished tannins, and a great finish. It reminds me slightly of the 2018, although with slightly less concentration. It will evolve for 20-25 years."
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate gave this 96 points saying, "I tasted the 2019 Syrah Reva on July 8, shortly after its bottling in June. The 2019 is particularly elegant, with notable detail and vibrancy. "I’ve been more curious about the reaction of consumers to the 2019 Reva than I have in a long time," winemaker John Alban explains. "Will they like it? The Reva is very different in 2019." It’s a touch aromatically coiled from its recent bottling, taking plenty of time and air to unfold scents of blackcurrants, peppermint patty, charcuterie, coffee beans and brown sugar. The full-bodied palate has a strong spine of refreshing acidity and plush, velvety tannins to balance its depth of flavor, and it offers a beautiful flourish of spice and floral tones that fan across the long finish. It’s less ripe and hedonistic than in some vintages yet just as enjoyable! This will be released in the fall of 2023."
Alcohol % | 14.0% |
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Vintage | 2019 |
Varietal | Syrah-Shiraz |
Region | California |
Country | United States |
Bottle Size | 750 ml |
Type | Red |
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