Rattlesnake Rock Syrah
2015
“The 2015 Syrah Rattlesnake Rock is a very beautiful, polished wine. Silky tannins and a Pinot-like purity to the fruit are among the signatures. Aromatic and quite fresh, the 2015 is simply impeccable. Hints of dark cherry and plum are nicely pushed forward, but the 2015 is a ways off from showing everything it’s got. Even so, it is impressive in the early going.”
93+ points- Antonio Galloni, Vinous
“This bottling, using grapes grown at 1,400-feet in elevation and made with 31% whole cluster, shows candied blackberry, cola and fennel-frond aromas on the nose. It’s tightly woven on the palate, where pinpoint tannins and bright acid deliver elderberry paste and white-sage flavors. ”
93 points- Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast
“From what could be considered the home estate vineyard of Big Basin Vineyards, the 2015 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah was two-thirds destemmed and spent just under two years in 29% new French oak. Its deep purple/ruby color gives way to a concentrated, rich, masculine Syrah that has classic notes of blackberries, peppered meats, olive, and hints of bacon fat. This medium to full-bodied Syrah from Bradley has terrific purity, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give it 2-3 years and enjoy over the following decade or more.”
93 points- Jeb Dunnuck
2014
“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.”
93 points- Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast
“When Bradley Brown set out to plant syrah at his Santa Cruz Mountains vineyard, he worked with John Alban, one of the pioneers of Rhone varieties in California. Alban provided the plant material for Rattlesnake Rock in 2000, a site Brown farms organically. It grew a tart, woodsy, red-fruited Syrah in 2014, with a black-olive meatiness to its tannins. This is the kind of refreshing red that syrah can give a bright partner to a tri-tip sandwich.”
93 points- Wine & Spirits Magazine
93 points- Jeb Dunnuck
92+ points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
2013
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91 points- Matt Kettman, Wine Enthusiast