2012 Big Basin Homestead
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Tasting notes
A blend of 34% Grenache, 23% Syrah, 21% Carignan, 18% Mourvedre and the balance Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2012 Homestead is a ripe, rounded and textured wine that has loads of black licorice, ground herbs, pepper and spice that are backed up by a core of sweet black fruit. Staying fresh and lively, with a terrific finish, enjoy this forward, fruit-loaded effort over the coming 5-7 years. 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Grenache and Carignane take center stage in the 2012 Homestead. Silky and beautifully expressive on the palate, the 2012 is nicely textured and nuanced from start to finish. Sweet tobacco, cedar and red-toned fruit are supported by firm tannins that could use another 6-12 months to soften a bit further.
(34% grenache, 23% syrah, 21% carignane, 18% mourvedre and 4% cabernet sauvignon): Brilliant ruby-red. Smoke- and spice-accented red fruits and candied flowers on the highly perfumed nose. Succulent raspberry and cherry flavors are sharpened by a note of white pepper. Brisk, nervy, focused blend, with building sweetness and fine-grained tannins that firm the finish. Quite elegant and precise for such a blend; in fact, there's something pinot-like, at least in a New World rendition, going on here.