2011 Big Basin Syrah Coastview Vineyard
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The 2011 Syrah Coastview Vineyard has aged beautifully. The oak signature is much more present in the 2011 than it is in today's wines. There is quite a bit of power and more than enough depth to support at least another few years of fine drinking. All things considered, the 2011 has held up well. At the same time, the jump in overall finesse since this wine was made is apparent.
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Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Similarly styled, with a decidedly cool-climate feel, the 2011 Syrah Coastview Vineyard is a classy, medium-bodied Syrah that excels on its purity and elegance. Showing darker fruits, green olive, sappy herbs and tinges of mint, it has good, not great, concentration, integrated acidity and a clean finish. It’s another high-quality Syrah that will evolve nicely for a decade. Located high up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Vineyards is run by Bradley Brown. He releases numerous estate wines, yet also makes a number of wines from other top vineyards in the Central Coast. These 2011s show the freshness and focus of the cooler vintage, and his 2012s offer beautiful purity, with more fruit forward profiles. Tel. (408) 564-7346; www.bigbasinvineyards.com
The 2011 Syrah Coastview Vineyard is the most interesting and nuanced of three Big Basin Syrahs. Pliant and expressive, the 2011 offers lovely depth and silkiness. Hints of lavender, smoke, violets, mint and grilled herbs add complexity on the textured, resonant finish.
Bright purple. Ripe black and blue fruits and fruitcake on the expansive, perfumed nose. Broad and fleshy, with deep boysenberry and cassis flavors showing a round texture and a touch of bitter chocolate. Finishes smooth and seamless, with an echo of dark chocolate and mounting tannins. I was reminded of a Barossa shiraz here.