2005 Big Basin Syrah Fairview Ranch

A cool climate effort is the 2005 Syrah Fairview Ranch from the Santa Lucia Highlands. It reveals a dense ruby/purple color as well as notes of bay leaf, a touch of mint, white chocolate, and plenty of black cherry and currant fruit. Rich, heady, and full-bodied, with less power and exuberance than its Santa Cruz Mountain siblings, this beauty shows impeccable winemaking and style. Drink it over the next decade or more. Impressive Syrahs are being fashioned by proprietor Bradley Brown from his Santa Cruz Mountain vineyards. Unfortunately, quantities are limited for these cuvees (less than 100 cases of the Mandala and about 350 of the Rattlesnake Rock). The 2004s reveal that vintage’s opulence, richness, full-bodied power, and flesh. All the wines are bottled without fining or filtration. Tel. (831) 621-8028; Fax (831) 338-8050