2011 Big Basin Homestead
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Tasting notes
(48% mourvedre, 24% carignane, 18% zinfandel, 7% syrah and 3% grenache; all neutral oak): Vivid ruby-red. Opens slowly to display ripe scents of dark berries, flowers and spicecake, plus a hint of smoked meat. Sappy and broad on entry, then firmer in the mid-palate, offering bitter cherry and cassis flavors and a touch of dark chocolate. A licorice note comes out on the finish, which is framed by dusty, slow-building tannins. Definitely give this one some air. This fruit is mostly from the Gabilan Mountains, with additional sourcing from Chalone and the Cienega Valley.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
An interesting blend of 48% Mourvedre, 24% Carignan, 18% Zinfandel, 7% Syrah and the balance Grenache, the 2011 Homestead has an upfront, fruit-loaded profile with ripe black raspberry, crushed flowers, sappy underbrush, ground pepper and new leather aromas and flavors that flow to a medium to full-bodied, supple and beautifully polished palate. Showing solid ripeness and depth, especially in the vintage, with superb integration of its fruit, tannin and acidity, it’s a serious value that dishes out loads of pleasure. Enjoy it over the coming 5-7 years. Drink now-2020. Based out of the Santa Cruz Mountains, proprietor/owner Bradley Brown fashions a bevy of superb efforts from throughout the Central Coast. Tel. (408) 564-7346; www.bigbasinvineyards.com
The 2011 Homestead, a Rhone-based red, is showing the effects of its relatively recent bottling. There is plenty of appeal and immediacy in the glass, but all the elements aren't fully put together. Still, it seems there is plenty of potential for the future. The 2011 is 48% Mourvedre, 24% Carignane, 18% ZInfandel, 7% Syrah and 3% Grenache aged in neutral oak barrels.