2012 Big Basin Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Looking at Bradley’s Pinot Noirs, the 2012 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard is a smoking effort. Spice, pepper and underbrush are supported by plenty of spice-laced cherry and framboise, and it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, excellent overall balanced and notable purity of fruit. Showing some tannic grip on the finish, it should evolve nicely over the coming 7-8 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
The 2012 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard is quite floral and lifted in its aromatics but denser on the palate than the bouquet suggests. Today, the elements aren't fully put together, but there is plenty of potential. Orange peel, crushed rocks, sage and mint linger on the striking, nuanced finish.
(made with 60% whole clusters): Deep red. A highly aromatic bouquet evokes fresh dark berries, cola and violet, with a peppery topnote adding vivacity. Becomes spicier and more floral with air, offering gently sweet black raspberry and cherry flavors and a touch of black tea. Shows surprising heft and power on the warm, pliant, smoothly tannic finish. This sexy pinot is delicious right now.
The 2012 Pinot Noir Alfaro Family Vineyard is laced with expressive red berries, mint, crushed rose petals and fennel. Delicate, perfumed and medium in body, the 2012 impresses for its fabulous overall balance and class. The stems need time to integrate, but this is a gorgeous wine.