2007 Big Basin Vineyards Syrah Coastview Vineyard- USA, California, Central Coast, Monterey County (4/6/2011)
15.7% alcohol. Plenty of reasons for me to like this. A local Monterey County wine from a 2,600’ vineyard up in the Gabilans. I like local, I like altitude. The wine was made by the redoubtable Bradley H. Brown sourced from a vineyard cared for by the talented Ian Brand. So there is a lot to like.
The wine - dark, nearly opaque ruby color. Aromas of black fruit and some exotic oriental incense. On the palate, blackberry, asian spice and herbs. Very pure and well balanced. No heat. Some nice minerality and a lingering aftertaste. A local wine done good - very, very good! (93 pts.)
Wes, I’ve been meaning to visit this beautiful site for sometime now, but unfortunately will not be able to make the Spring Celebration. Hopefully this Fall.
It’s a heckuva wine, but a couple of clarifications:
The top of the vineyard is 23-2400’. I help with some consultation on vineyard practices, picking decisions, etc. but my partner John Allen and ranch manager Tony Gonzales do the vineyard care. Them and a flock of 120 sheep. It’s a real barnyard up there.
Had this wine over the weekend. It was definitely the standout wine of anything that I’ve popped from Berserkerfest. No formal notes, but it was mmm mmm good. When I saw how much I paid for it (granted it was a special deal), it has to be my QPR of the year.