2009 Big Basin Odeon

The 2009 Odeon, a Syrah/Cabernet blend, is quite harmonious. Today, the Cabernet seems to have the upper hand in the wine's balance. Dark red fruit, grilled herbs, flowers, mint and licorice flesh out on the finish supported by firm Cabernet tannins. The 2009 is Cabernet from the House Vineyard in Saratoga and Syrah from Coastview.

The 2009 Odeon, a Syrah/Cabernet blend, is quite harmonious. Today, the Cabernet seems to have the upper hand in the wine’s balance. Dark red fruit, grilled herbs, flowers and mint flesh out on the finish, supported by firm Cabernet tannins. The 2009 is Cabernet from the House Vineyard in Saratoga and Syrah from Coastview. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2017. I tasted a bevy of gorgeous wines with proprietor Bradley Brown this year. These new and upcoming releases are impeccable and strongly suggest Brown is one of the up and coming stars of the region. I can hardly wait to see how his wines develop in the future. Most of the 2010 Pinots were harvested during the first week of October, on the late side that year. The wines spent 16 months in French oak, between roughly 40-60% new. The 2009 Syrahs were picked during a broad window that started in early October and lasted much of the month. Brown gave his 2009 Syrahs about 27 months in French oak, from 50-86% new. I also tasted a number of wines from barrel, most of them 2010 Syrahs and Syrah-blends. Today, those wines are very promising, as the cold 2010 vintage seems to have brought out the maximum in varietal definition and nuance. Tel. (831) 621-8028

The 2009 Odeon is 60% Syrah and 40% Cabernet Sauvignon. High-toned, floral aromatics lead to beautifully delineated fruit in this vibrant, polished wine. There is gorgeous nuance to be found in the glass. This shows lovely balance to match its classy personality.