Big Basin - Homestead 2018

"Earthy aromas of raw beef, wet cement and tart red currant. A zesty acidity powers the raspberry flavor of the palate, which is dusted in white pepper and slices through the meatier elements." Wine Enthusiast

Located in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains, Big Basin Vineyards is terraced into a steep hillside first planted to grape vines by French immigrants over 100 years ago. Big Basin believes that their choice of vineyards, picking at the right time to retain intensity and elegance, and minimalistic winemaking practices are the keys to producing more aromatic and ethereal wines - new world wines with old world soul. 

Homestead represents the extraordinary granitic and limestone terroir of the Gabilan Mountains where they sourced the majority of the fruit. Grenache from Brosseau, Coastview and their estate vineyard provides the backbone of this wine. Additional components include: 90+ year old, dry farmed Carignane from the Cienega Valley located below Calera's Mount Harlan AVA and Syrah from the Coastview Vineyard located just miles South of Mt. Harlan at 2400 ft as well as Brosseau vineyard in Chalone. Blend: 33% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon

This is always one of the most affordable and creative bottlings managed by proprietor Bradley Brown. This vintage's blend of 33% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 19% Mourvèdre and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon begins with earthy aromas of raw beef, wet cement and tart red currant. A zesty acidity powers the raspberry flavor of the palate, which is dusted in white pepper and slices through the meatier elements.
Editors' Choice

The 2018 Homestead offers tremendous appeal. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, spice and dried flowers infuse the 2018 with myriad layers of nuance that open up effortlessly. Forward, juicy and wonderfully inviting, the 2018 has so much to offer. It is a wine of immense pleasure, a terrific value and the kind of wine that disappears in an instant at the dinner table. In 2018, the blend is 33% Carignane, 25% Syrah, 21% Grenache, 19% Mourvedre and 2% Cabernet Sauvignon.