Alban, Syrah, “reva,” Edna Valley 2007

From the record

ALBAN, SYRAH, “REVA,” EDNA VALLEY 2007 is documented in the Cartelier archive as served at Protégé in Palo Alto, CA. It appears on the menu of October 31, 2021, one of 6 items served that wine. As printed, the kitchen describes it: The original “Rhône Ranger,” John Alban is a pioneer of the Rhône revolution that swept through California’s Central Coast. His estate is located in the Edna Valley, near Arroyo Grande in San Luis Obispo County. Reva is pure Syrah grown in light, chalky soils. This combination results in a wine with inky color, concentrated flavors, and a unique iodine and oyster shell aromatic. Densely-packed blueberry and crème de cassis, with licorice, smoke and candied-violet nuances adding complexity. IDEAL DRINKING WINDOW: 2025-2035 FOOD PAIRING RECOMMENDATIONS: Fantastic with grilled or roasted pork, game, beef, or lamb, as well as most smoked meats. It is also very good with hearty Asian-inspired dishes. DECANT: 2-4 hours in advance STEMWARE: Large glasses such as Zalto Denk’Art Bordeaux or Riedel Sommeliers Hermitage Grand Cru IDEAL SERVICE TEMPERATURE: 65°F. Every appearance below preserves the menu exactly as published — source, hash, and date — so this dish can be read as it stood on any documented evening.