Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Estate Rattlesnake Rock Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains 2018
Syrah Blends | US
“Floral and savory notes give the 2018 gorgeous aromatic presence that is immediately beguiling. Medium in body, the 2018 impresses with its delineation and vibrancy. It is one of the most distinctive wines in this range. Terrific.”
–94 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
We’re baffled that we have even a little of this fabulous Syrah left?! It was made by one of our very favorite boutique wineries in all of California: the majestic, ambitious, and always delicious Big Basin Vineyards, set in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Galloni was obviously enthralled with it when he bestowed 94 points, and we feel exactly the same, so we’re extremely pleased to bring it to you at this price. It’s unequivocally one of the BEST California Syrahs we’ve tasted in years, and it’s at a perfect place in its aging – with five more years to go if you wish.
Tumbling, dancing violets and black cherries take a fragrant, sinewy path into fatty charcuterie and cold crushed rock and tobacco, then it all explodes on the midpalate with very fine tannins melting against inky, wild mountain berries. The 100% whole cluster fermentation lifts the aromatics while also bringing a spicy underbrush character, and the finish lasts and lasts. Fermentation was native, as you’ve probably guessed, and after 21 months in neutral French barrels, the wine was bottled unfiltered. What more could you want?
As far as overall style, this leans toward the elegant, earthy, dazzlingly complex Northern Rhône kind of Syrah, but also has the ripe satisfaction of California sunshine – and the high-toned power of its mountain birthplace, which was the organically farmed Rattlesnake Rock Vineyard at 1,400 feet. When Big Basin founder Bradley Brown was planting the site, he had help from the legendary John Alban, one of the original Rhone Rangers and probably California’s most revered Syrah producer and grower. Great pedigree, super cool vineyard, serious craftsmanship, a phenomenal drinking experience… nab the last of this.
About the Producer
Big Basin founder Bradley Brown first explored the Sierras through climbing, backpacking, and skiing. He eventually made his way to Santa Cruz, where he fell in love with wine, and combined the two passions into Big Basin Vineyards in 1998. Every bottle reflects a deep love of the rugged beauty of the Santa Cruz Mountains, and the results are quite extraordinary. Critic Antonio Galloni says, “Proprietor Bradley Brown crafts some of the most compelling, small-production artisan wines in California’s Central Coast. With each passing year, the wines are more refined and polished, making Big Basin one of the most dynamic up-and-coming wineries in the state.” The winery is named for the nearby Big Basin Redwoods State Park. The small-batch wines emphasize Rhône and Bordeaux varietals grown at high elevation with organic practices across the Santa Cruz and Gabilan Mountains above Monterey Bay. The small winemaking team is led by Blake Yarger, who was previously with McEvoy Ranch.
- BlendSyrah
- WinemakerBradley Brown
- CountryUS
- RegionCalifornia
- Sub-RegionCentral Coast
- AppellationSan Francisco Bay
- Alcohol14.2%