2017 Big Basin Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard
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Tasting notes
100% whole-cluster fermented with ambient yeasts and aged in barrels for 17 months. These vines are 18 years old and planted in sandy, gravelly loam at a 15% slope facing south-east at an elevation of 588 to 730 feet (179 to 222 m) above sea level. 150 cases made. Smells of herbs and dried flowers and camphorwood. Bright redcurrant and sour-cherry flavours mix with camphor and other dried herbs. Intense and juicy thanks to excellent acidity, this wine has an unusual character. Notes of cherry candy linger in the finish. (AY)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard is a bit creamier than the 2018 tasted alongside it, which helps balance some of the stem influence. Macerated cherry, dried flowers, spice and leather fill out its mid-weight, curvy frame effortlessly. Soft, open-knit and inviting, the 2017 is really in the zone today. A closing burst of rose petal, sage, mint and star anise adds striking perfume to the substantial finish.
The 2017 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard was made with 100% whole cluster and aged 17 months in 33% new French oak. Pale garnet, it gives up Bing cherries, charcuterie, burnt orange peel, tar and soil aromas with notes of dried herbs, underbrush and dried blackberries. It's light to medium-bodied and earthy in the mouth with bitters and mushroom character, with a grainy frame and good freshness on the finish. 155 cases produced.
Mint, rose petal, sweet red cherry, orange peel, chalk and white pepper give the 2017 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard its characteristic striking aromatic top notes. This chiseled, finely sculpted Pinot has terrific energy and plenty of verve. In this range, the Alfaro Pinot stands out for its captivating inner perfume, vibrancy and beguiling aromatics.