When John Alban set out to make California wines, there were about six varietals produced throughout the state, and really only two were ever consumed with any regularity, Chardonnay & Cabernet Sauvignon.  If there is one single person who helped shape California as a diverse, multi-faceted growing region, and specifically as a primary region for Rhône varietals, it is John Alban.  His project is historic. 

Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache, and indeed Syrah, were all relatively unknown wines to most wine drinkers stateside until John began planting.  When there were fewer than 50 acres of Viognier in the world, John propogated 32, eventually supplying most of the clippings that would go on to make most California Viogniers.  Syrah, now produced by seemingly every winemaker, jumped from a few hundred acres in California to over 17,000 today.  Most importantly though, John – with his wife Lorraine – has maintained both his passion and his skill over the years. The wines are just as complex, well- crafted and stellar as they’ve ever been.  Springboard is honored to be working with Alban Vineyards. 

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