Summer 2018
2015 HOMESTEAD – 93 points; Editor’s Choice
2014 GRIZZLY GRENACHE – 91 points
2014 ODEON – 91 points
2015 LESTER FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 93 points
2014 COASTVIEW VINEYARD TERRACES SYRAH – 92 points
2015 WOODRUFF FAMILY VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 94 points
2015 HOMESTEAD BLOCK ROUSSANNE – 93 points; Editor’s Choice
2015 ALFARO FAMILY VINEYARD – 93 points
2014 RATTLESNAKE ROCK SYRAH – 93 points
2015 COASTVIEW VINEYARD PINOT NOIR – 92 points
2015 COASTVIEW VINEYARD CHARDONNAY – 92 points
2014 GABILAN MOUNTAINS GSM – 91 points
2015 Homestead: “This blend of 43% Mourvèdre, 16% Syrah, 14% Grenache, 14% Carignane and 13% Cabernet Sauvignon is a great look at what this cult producer is doing, but for much less price than other bottlings. Pure tangy fruit aromas of mulberry and condensed flower petals cut through the rustic earthy and gamy elements on the nose. Vibrant acidity explodes on the palate, which is full of red-currant, cranberry, parsley, sage and lavender flavors. ”
2014 Grizzly Grenache: “This bottling of an Alban clone was fermented 56% whole cluster, and makes for a more mineral-driven Grenache, with aromas of dried red currants, sarsaparilla, leather and pencil shavings. It’s very dry on the palate with red plum, rosewater, candied jasmine and a hint of spearmint, but the firm tannins need much more time to smooth out. ”
2014 Odeon: “This blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon (from Santa Cruz County) and 47% Syrah and 3% Viognier (from Monterey County) is still tightly wound on the nose, with crystalline purple-fruit and lilac aromas. The palate is elegant, energetic and clean, with firm tannins framing the purple-fruit flavors, with a touch of oak and chocolate on the finish. ”
2015 Lester Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: “Bradley Brown opted for 70% whole cluster on this forest-spiced bottling, and the result is a nose full of green peppercorns, tangy green plum, fennel and tapenade. That olive element is also strong on the sip, where green sage, thyme, marjoram, juniper and tangy underripe plum flavors keep the palate entertained. ”
2014 Coastview Vineyards Terraces Syrah: “There is great depth of color and viscosity on this bottling from the eastern hills of the Salinas Valley, which shows blackberry, blueberry, pepper and thyme on the nose. The palate is still very intense, tightly wound and young, but patience reveals roasted plum and lilac flavors, all riding a soft texture and slow simmering acidity. ”
2015 Woodruff Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: “Wild sagebrush, thyme and fennel pollen spice up the tart cherry aromas on the nose of this bottling from 34-year-old vines, which also throws up gingerbread scents as it opens. Framed by solid tannins and well-primed acidity, the palate’s tart red fruit is lifted by fennel and wild herbs. ”
2015 Homestead Block Roussanne: “From Alban clone vines on Bradley Brown’s 1,300-foot-high estate vineyard and aged in both amphora and oak, this epic bottling shows clean lines of dried lemon skin, lemon curd, pear cream and a hint of pineapple on the nose. The generous and youthful palate is clean and grippy with flavors of honeysuckle, lemon and pear, framed by bright acid. It will last for years. ”
2015 Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir: “Deep aromas of mulberry syrup are cut by pine needles and baking spice on the nose of this single-vineyard expression by renowned vintner Bradley Brown from a famed vineyard near Watsonville. Kalamata olives show strong on the palate, alongside berry syrup, green sage, thyme and a stemmy hint of bell pepper. ”
2014 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah: “This bottling from the estate vineyard, which sits above 1,300 feet, offers roasted blackberry, cassis, caramel and chocolate sauce on the nose. The palate is soft upon entry, with the tannic structure showing itself deeper into the sip, and buoyant acidity presents flavors of fresh dark berry and lively purple flowers. ”
2015 Coastview Vineyards Pinot Noir: “Juniper, pine needle and sandalwood aromas decorate the dark cranberry fruit on the nose of this bottling from a vineyard 2,200-feet above the eastern Salinas Valley. The 55% whole cluster fermentation contributes to the woody side of the grape on the palate, where herbal and forest flavors are sprinkled on the baked raspberry fruit. ”
2015 Coastview Vineyards Chardonnay: “Proprietor Bradley Brown has developed a unique but compelling style of Chardonnay from this 2,400-foot-high vineyard east of Salinas. Dynamic aromas of walnut, preserved lemon, sea salt, marmalade and butter show on the nose. The palate starts with hazelnut paste, then becomes chewy with chalk and toasted marshmallow flavors. Smoke carries into the finish. Every sip provides a new sensation. ”
2014 Gabilan Mountains GSM: “The 49% Grenache shows strongly on the nose of this bottling, which also includes 32% Mourvèdre and 19% Syrah, with aromas of rose petals, hibiscus, fruit punch and exotic red spices on the nose. The palate is lighter bodied and very quaffable, with flavors of dark hibiscus and red plum. The tannins are a bit firm and need some time to smooth. “