Alban Vineyards in Edna Valley (about half way between San Francisco and Los Angeles) are Rhone-variety pioneers in California. They branched away early from the Bordeaux craze that was sweeping the state and planted Grenache and Syrah.

Reaching up to the highest point on the estate, the Grenache grapes that go into Pandora are planted in a terraced vineyard on chalky soil. The wine itself was designed to convince Californians that Grenache was a grape worthy of attention - something French and Australian wine drinkers needed little swaying on.

The wine was fermented in an open-top vat before spending nearly three years in large French oak barrels of various ages. The result is a wine of vibrant red fruit, a solid hit of fennel and a long, long finish.