Showing items 1
through 8 of
10
Big Basin 2004 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah (Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Editors' Choice
- $55
Maybe it’s the snake venom, but this is seriously good Syrah. Blackberry and cherry pie aromas and flavors, with caramelized oak, mocha, chocolate macaroon and vanilla extravagances that turn richer and richer with every sip. Defines Syrah’s power and elegance with immediate, voluptuous pleasure.
— S.H.
(11/15/2006)
Big Basin 2008 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Online Exclusive
- $42
A beautiful, young and firmly tannic Pinot Noir that should improve in the bottle. It’s fully dry and fine in acidity, with expressive flavors of black and red cherries, cola, beef jerky, crushed pepper and sweet, smoky sandalwood. Very nice now with a good steak, and ought to show development over the next 5–7 years.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Big Basin 2004 Mandala Syrah (California)
- $42
Intensely jammy, with all kinds of marmalade, cherry, black raspberry and a dusting of cocoa and white pepper, but it's no mere fruit bomb. A plus is the excellent structure, which is complex, with good grip. Fully drinkable now.
— S.H.
(11/15/2006)
Big Basin 2007 Rattlesnake Rock Vineyard Syrah (Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Online Exclusive
- $54
Nice and ripely sweet in fresh blackberry, cherry and oak flavors, this Syrah is made for drinking now. It’s dry and rich in tannins, with a soft, velvety mouthfeel. Shows interesting complications of smoked meats, pepper, cola and minerals.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Big Basin 2008 Woodruff Family Vineyard Pinot Noir (Santa Cruz Mountains)
- Online Exclusive
- $48
A good, dry mountain Pinot. It’s a little tough, with some uneven tannins and a bite of acidity, but rich in cherry, raspberry, cola and sandalwood flavors. Might improve a little after 2 or 3 years in the bottle.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Big Basin 2008 Homestead Syrah (Monterey-Santa Cruz)
- Online Exclusive
- $33
A good, dry and flavorful Syrah, with lush blackberry, cherry and oak flavors. It’s a harsh in the mouth, with some firm tannins, but a nice, fruity sipper to enjoy now.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Big Basin 2007 Coastview Vineyard Syrah (Monterey)
- Online Exclusive
- $48
There’s a vegetal note that drags on the otherwise rich blackberry, roasted meat and pepper flavors. It’s also quite soft, lacking some vibrancy. A sound, rustic wine for drinking now.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Big Basin 2008 Mandala Syrah (California)
- Online Exclusive
- $45
This is a heavy, soft and one-dimensional Syrah. It’s all right for everyday drinking, with pleasant blackberry, cherry, bacon and spice flavors.
— S.H.
(3/1/2011)
Showing items 1
through 8 of
10
advertisement
What We're Tasting
2009 Chronicle Cerise Vineyard
One sip is all it takes to know this is a terrific Pinot Noir. It’s dry…
Facebook Activity
advertisement
Twitter Activity