TN: SOBER goes all over, I like a Port, Champagne, SuperTuscan, etc

Thanks for the fascinating notes, Dale. This doesn't sound like it was one of your favorite SOBER tastings, though :(

So, this is a blend of grapes. Any idea what's in it? Is it a typical Gentil sort of blend do you think?

Ouch! I know that you're not a Grenache fan, but I recall that you usually like Beaucastel. I have all three of these, so I'll remember not to serve any to you ;-) Clearly the '05 is not in a good place right now (no great surprise) but the other two are probably showing the characteristics of their vintages, as '00 was a hot, low acid year and '95 has proved to be more variable than the initial prognostications. From CT notes, it sounds like this is still partially closed down, though.

I've not had many Alban Syrahs, and those that I have had have mostly been young and WAY too oaky for me. However, I had an aged Reva in Toledo last year (the '96). It was a fascinating example of aged Syrah and not out of place in a lineup of older Cornas (and keep in mind that I'm an extreme quercophobe when it comes to Syrah), so perhaps given enough time the oak integrates. It was FL Jim Cowan however who stated that John Alban is a good farmer but a lousy winemaker, so take that FWIW.

Again, thanks for the fascinating notes! Mark Lipton