Press


Reviews


July 2014


2012 COASTVIEW VINEYARD CHARDONNAY – 92 points
2012 HOMESTEAD BLOCK ROUSSANNE – 91 points
2012 ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 91+ points
2012 WOODRUFF FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 91 points
2012 COASTVIEW VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 92 points
2012 MONTEREY PINOT NOIR – 92 points
2012 HOMESTEAD – 92 points
2012 PADEREWSKI VINEYARD GSM – 93 points
2011 COASTVIEW VINEYARD SYRAH – 92 points
2011 ODEON SYRAH/CABERNET – 92 points
2012 ODEON SYRAH/CABERNET – (91-94) points
2012 COASTVIEW VINEYARD SYRAH – (91-93) points


2012 Coastview Vineyard Chardonnay: " The 2012 Chardonnay Coastview Vineyard impresses for its textural depth and intensity. Yellow peach, apricot, almond, butter and honey notes meld together in a pretty mid-weight Chardonnay. There is plenty of richness in the glass, but no excess heaviness whatsoever."

2012 Homestead Block Roussanne: " The 2012 Roussanne Homestead Block is gorgeous. Apricot, peach, spice and floral notes meld together in a Roussanne that stands out for its unusual level of aromatic and textural complexity."

2012 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: " The 2012 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard is quite floral and lifted in its aromatics but denser on the palate than the bouquet suggests. Today, the elements aren’t fully put together, but there is plenty of potential. Orange peel, crushed rocks, sage and mint linger on the striking, nuanced finish. "

2012 Woodruff Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: " One of the more intense, saline wines in the lineup, the 2012 Pinot Noir Woodruff Family Vineyard comes across as a bit raw and not fully formed. Bright red cherries, pine, mint and crushed rocks add nuance on the chiseled, vibrant finish. The 2012 needs more time in bottle to come together. Today, it is a bit angular, yet also shows good potential. "

2012 Coastview Vineyard Pinot Noir: " The 2012 Pinot Noir Coastview Vineyard blossoms in the glass beautifully. Expressive and generous on the palate, the 2012 is quite open today. Silky tannins wrap around a core of pliant, supple fruit as the wine shows off its radiant personality, while pretty spice and floral nuances add complexity to round out the juicy finish. "

2012 Monterey Pinot Noir: " Big Basin’s 2012 Pinot Noir Monterey is absolutely gorgeous. Sweet floral and herbal notes meld into bright red berries in a silky, utterly impeccable Pinot with tons of near-term appeal. This supple, beautifully crafted Pinot impresses for its balance and overall sense of harmony. There is so much to like here. Highly expressive saline and savory notes linger on the close. The mid-October harvest is unusual for Pinot, but it works beautifully here. "

2012 Homestead: " Grenache and Carignane take center stage in the 2012 Homestead. Silky and beautifully expressive on the palate, the 2012 is nicely textured and nuanced from start to finish. Sweet tobacco, cedar and red-toned fruit are supported by firm tannins that could use another 6-12 months to soften a bit further."

2012 Paderewski Vineyard GSM: " The 2012 GSM Paderewski Vineyard captures the essence of Paso in its pliant, expressive personality. Dark red cherry, plum, mint, smoke and leather flesh out in an intense, distinctive wine loaded with class. Sadly, this is Big Basin’s last vintage working with Paderewski fruit."

2011 Odeon Syrah/Cabernet: " A blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2011 Odeon is quite pretty in this vintage. Dark red and black stone fruits, grilled herbs, smoke and licorice meld together in a supple, effortless wine that captures the best of what was possible in this very challenging growing season.."

2011 Coastview Vineyard Syrah: " Pliant and expressive, the 2011 offers lovely depth and silkiness. Hints of lavender, smoke, violets, mint and grilled herbs add complexity on the textured, resonant finish."

p>
2012 Odeon Syrah/Cabernet: " One of the highlights in this range, the 2012 Odeon is hugely promising. An exotic melange of game, dark red/black fruit and smoke races across the palate as this intense, brooding Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend shows off its unique and compelling personality. The rich, powerful finish is a thing of beauty. I can’t wait to taste this from bottle."

2012 Coastview Vineyard Syrah: " Here the flavors are bright, focused and nuanced throughout. Rose petal, sweet herbs, plums and new leather are some of the many notes that inform the energetic, pulsating finish. There is plenty to look forward to here."