2010 Big Basin Syrah Rattlesnake Rock Vineyard
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Syrah Rattlesnake Rock (11% Grenache) is gorgeous. Spending 27 months in 83% new French oak, it has terrific crème de cassis, cracked pepper, olive and hints of game to go with a medium to full-bodied, concentrated, rich and layered profile on the palate. Its acidity is nicely integrated, it has superb mid-palate depth and solid underlying structure that emerges on the finish. Still youthful, it will evolve nicely through 2025.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Saturated ruby. Complex aromas of dried cherry, cassis, violet and woodsmoke, with a peppery overtone. Smooth and open-knit, offering plump, spice-tinged black and blue fruit flavors that show a hint of warmth. Broad, gently sweet and smooth on the finish, showing soft tannins and lingering smokiness. This year's bottling includes 11% grenache.
Dark red cherries, wild flowers, smoke, tobacco and savory herbs are some of the many notes that flesh out in the 2010 Syrah Rattlesnake Rock. Here the fruit is quite a bit redder in tonality than in the other 2010 Big Basin Syrahs because of the presence of 11% Grenache in the blend. Wild and constantly changing in the glass, the Rattlesnake Rock is bursting with complexity, nuance and pedigree. Bright floral and savory notes punctuate the finish. I can't wait to taste the Rattlesnake with a little more bottle age.
Oddly enough, the 2010 Syrah Rattlesnake Rock shows more varietal nuance and character than the 2009 even though there is 11% Grenache in the blend. Flowers, grilled herbs, licorice and mint add considerable complexity to the fruit. I very much like the sense of energy and tension here. Yields were under one ton per acre.