2017 Big Basin Pinot Noir Old Corral
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Tasting notes
Ages for 17 months in barrel and comes from three separate vineyard blocks ranging in elevation from 1,258 to 1,400 feet (383 to 427 m) above sea level, facing south, south-east, and south-west and ranging in slope from 15% to 35%. Extremely shallow soils consist of sandy clay loam over Two Bar shale and sandstone. The vines are between 11 and 12 years old. 140 cases made. Aromas of dried herbs, leather and sawdust. Raspberry and redcurrant fruit flavours have a faint barnyard character to them, with hints of saddle leather and manure. Distinctly savoury, thanks in part to 100% whole-cluster fermentation with ambient yeasts. (AY)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Pinot Noir Old Corral is effusive and so expressive. Exotic spice, macerated cherry, mint, cedar, rosewater, dried flowers, orange peel and earthy tones all run through the 2017. Powerful and ample in feel, the 2017 has just enough softness to drink well with minimal cellaring. I expect it will always be somewhat of a brute, even with bottle age.
The Pinot Noir Old Corral comes across as fleeting and ethereal in 2017. Dried cherry, blood orange, tobacco spice, mint and dried flowers add aromatic nuance, but here, too, I wish the wine had a bit more mid-palate depth to balance the bright acids.