2001 Alban Vineyards Central Coast Syrah

John Alban of Alban Vineyards in the Edna Valley has championed Rhone varietals from the beginning. And now that they’re more in vogue than ever, he’s still making some of the best to come out of the Central Coast. His top estate wines, such as Reva or Lorraine, are highly coveted and priced to match. But this 2001 Central Coast Syrah is something else again -- a Syrah with character at a bargain price. That’s the good news. The bad news is that he didn’t make that much of it. Still, it’s worth looking out for this beautiful inky Syrah, tasting of ripe dark berries, black pepper and a touch of smoke. Lush and velvety, it goes down very easily. A great introduction to the pleasures and seductions of Syrah.

--S. Irene Virbila

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Quick Swirl

Region: Central Coast, California

Price: About $24

Style: Lush and easy-drinking

Food it goes with: Pork roast and chops, grilled lamb chops, grilled sausages, anything with bold flavors.

Where you find it: Hi-Time Wine Cellars in Costa Mesa, (949) 650-8463; Larchmont Village Wine & Cheese in Los Angeles, (323) 856-8699; Wally’s in West Los Angeles, (310) 475-0606; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454; (800) 76WINEX; Wine House in Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731; Woodland Hills Wine Co. in Woodland Hills, (818) 222-1111.