The WineThis is a big wine, but not in the usual sense of the word. Bigness comes from its complexity, all flying over a tautness typical of high altitude sites like this one. The wine spent a year in neutral oak and another 7 months in stainless steel before being bottled. At 13.7% alcohol, this wine is a bit riper than past vintages, and it wears well here!
Look for grilled pineapple, citrus curd (lemon and lime), toasted pie spices and crushed rocks. Finishes with a bit of lemonhead candy and orange oil. Drink now, or allow to improve for 3-5 years, and drink through 2029. 360 cases produced.
93 Points, Vinous
92 Points, Wine Enthusiast
92 Points, Jeb Dunnuck
The Winery
As I write this on August 20th, 2020, the Winery is surrounded by brush fires and has been evacuated. I sincerely hope this is not the last Big Basin wine I can bring you.
Bradley Brown is the owner/winemaker/organic farmer behind this brand. While Blake Yarger took over winemaking duties in 2017, this wine was crafted prior to his arrival, other than to finish it prior to its release in late 2018.
The Vineyard
If you drive south from San Jose on California Hwy 101, you'll pass the Gabilan Mountains in the distance on the left side of your car after about an hour. Coastview Vineyard is on a ridge top between 2200 and 2400 feet high. Though the property covers 2,600 acres, just 30 of them are under vines, including Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and the five Bordeaux varietals.
The Vineyard soils are shallow and low vigor with layers of decomposed granite, substantial limestone component and thin top soils. The cooling breeze blowing in off the Monterey Bay moderates the warm days with cool night temperatures. This exposed ridge top vineyard has in abundant, unencumbered sunlight, driving even and consistent ripening. The warm days and cool nights allow for long hang times that result in perfect conditions for ripe fruit flavors and elegant acidity.
