2020 · Lorraine

Alban Vineyards is a family-owned California estate founded and led by John Alban, who also serves as winemaker. The winery is dedicated entirely to Rhône varieties and is described as the first in California to focus exclusively on them. Its farming centers on an "Albanic" closed-loop philosophy aimed at long-term sustainability, using sheep for grazing and composting, avoiding fertilizers and pesticides, and relying on minimal inputs. Vineyard sites including Lorraine and Reva are noted for distinctive marine, sandy, and chalky soils. The house style emphasizes pleasure and site character, with John Alban especially noted for his work with Viognier and for producing rich, ageworthy Rhône-inspired wines.