2010 Big Basin Syrah Old Corral
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Tasting notes
Possessing a cool-climate feel in its crisp blackberry, violets, menthol and peppery bouquet, the 2010 Syrah Old Corral is medium-bodied, juicy and lively on the palate, with bright acidity and a clean, focused finish. Incorporating 13% Grenache and 1% Viognier, all of which was aged 27 months in four new (air dried 48 months) French oak barrels, it opens up beautifully with air, has building richness and a classy, elegant style that will keep it drinking nicely for a decade or more.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(includes 13% grenache and 1% viognier; aged for 27 months in used barrels): Bright ruby. An expansive bouquet evokes red berry liqueur, rose oil and white pepper, with a smoky note building in the glass; I'd have guessed that there was more grenache in here. On the palate, lively cherry and black raspberry flavors are given a bitter twist by a hint of blood orange. Quite lithe for a syrah-based wine, with strong finishing cut and dusty, gripping tannins contributing shape.
The 2010 Syrah Old Corral is quite a bit darker than the Coastview. Tobacco, new leather, earthiness, black cherries and smoke all give the Old Corral a sense of gravitas that is compelling. The 2010 is powerful and structured, and will benefit from another year or two in bottle. There is plenty to look forward to. The 2010 spent 27 months in French oak.
Another standout, the 2010 Syrah Old Corral is endowed with gorgeous varietal nuance and character. Sweet herbs, licorice, mint, black olives and cracked pepper come together nicely in the glass. Here, too, the 2010 impresses for its balance. The addition of 13% Grenache and 1% Viognier seems to add a dimension of aromatic complexity that is quite pretty.