2021 Big Basin Odeon
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Tasting notes
Whole-berry and native-yeast fermented, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Odeon Betchart Vineyard is lengthy and complex, richly interwoven in peppery clove, soy, and dried herb. The tannins are soft and supple with an underlying grip that speaks to its mountain elevation. Medium-bodied in style, it offers elegance and complexity and should do well in the cellar. Enjoy best from 2028 through 2031. A steep hillside site first planted to grapes more than a century ago, Big Basin farms organically in both the Santa Cruz and Gabilan Mountains. Owner and winemaker Bradley Brown first planted the vineyards around the Santa Cruz winery in 2000 with the help of John Alban. The first vintage was 2002. Blake Yarger also makes the wines.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate
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The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Odeon Betchart Vineyard is fabulous. It comes from a site that used to be included in Ridge Monte Bello, planted entirely to clone 4 Cabernet. Aged for 20 months in barrel, it’s surprisingly open and approachable today. The Odeon coasts from the glass, suave and sophisticated, with a rush of dark cherry fruit, pine forest, menthol and salty, almost nori-like hints. The palate is sculpted and precise. Ultra-fine tannins, motivating acidity and soft curves melt together in this finessed Cabernet that has room to run. Transparent and long on the finish, this has elegance written all over it.
Previously a blend of Syrah and Cabernet, the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Odeon features only the latter variety, sourced from Betchart Vineyard at 2,000 feet in elevation on Montebello Road. Herbal, woodsy aromas of fresh thyme and charred cedar bound from the glass, flanked by dark, saturated fruit notes. Plush and layered on the palate and framed with juicy acidity, this is a delicious and relatively approachable expression of Cabernet that should continue to age for a decade.