Vineyard: Alfaro Family

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Oregon’s Big Table Farm and California’s Big Basin Committed to Whole Cluster (11.32 10/12/2018)
Recently Tasted Pinot Noir & Other Wines (11.17 1/20/2018)
Big Basin Vineyards: Whole Cluster Goodness Again (10.47 2/1/2017)
Tastes of World of Pinot Noir (10.7 4/6/2015)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Big Basin Vineyards

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Big Basin Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.3% alc., 155 cases, $60. Released September 2018. Clones 667, 777 and 115. 17-year-old vines. Harvest Brix 23.3º-23.6º. Fermented 100% whole cluster, native yeast, and aged 18 months in French oak barrels, 33% new. No additions beyond S02 after malolactic was completed in barrel. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Engaging nose offering aromas of darker berry and cherry, exotic spices, oak sawdust and a hint of fresh leafy greens. Up-front opulent black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors underpinned by muscular tannins. Sheer beauty of fruit with welcome uplifting acidity and a notably long finish. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the imposing tannins had mollified. This wine will benefit from more time in the cellar. Score: 92. Reviewed October 12, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2015 Big Basin Vineyards Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 100 cases, $60. Released November 2017. 16-year-old vines planted at 588-730 feet in sandy gravelly loam in Corralitos. Clones 115, 667 and 777. 100% whole cluster native yeast fermentation. Aged 15 months in French oak barrels. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Enveloping aromas of blackberry, cassis, potpourri, fertile earth and ash. Satiny, smooth and flowing on the palate, with impressive richness that fills every nook and cranny in the mouth with serious intent. The mid weight flavors of purple grapes, blackberry, pomegranate, tea and tobacco really saturate the finish. Beautifully balanced, this wine’s mouthfeel is highly seductive. Still exceptional when re-tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed January 20, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Big Basin Vineyards Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.2% alc.,150 cases, $55. Vines are 15 years old. Clones 114, 115, 667 and 777 planted in sandy gravelly loam. · Moderately light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of cherry, burnt tobacco, rose petal and spice pick up exuberance over time in the glass. Noticeable stem inclusion character which tended to integrate when tasted two days later from an opened bottle. Mid weight flavors of cherry and red berry with savory notes of burnt tobacco, spice and garden herbs. Silky in the mouth, with invisible tannins, admirable balance and some finishing intensity. A classy example of whole cluster goodness. Score: 93. Reviewed February 1, 2017 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Big Basin Vineyards Alfaro Family Vineyard Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir

13.0% alc., 145 cases, $48. 43% whole cluster, indigenous yeast fermentation, aged 15 months in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · A savory wine of great interest with plenty of spice and floral nuances supplementing the core of red and black berry and cherry fruits. Impressive phenolic ripeness at this alcohol level with enough sappy fruit to satisfy any Pinot drinker. The stem tannins are firm and slightly astringent and need time to integrate. Score: 92-94. Reviewed April 4, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »