Flavorful Après Ski Red from Big Basin

If you want après ski wine that’s juicy and warming, crisp and refreshing because you’ve slayed powder all day, then you can stop your search right here. I say a cool micro-climate, high altitude, whole cluster fermentation, minimal intervention AND terribly terroir expressive #pinotnoir from Santa Cruz Mountains AVA of California? You betcha!

Join me slope side for this flavorful experience from Big Basin Vineyards.

Big Basin Vineyards Alfaro Family Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California

Big Basin Vineyards is a family-owned and operated winery located in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, California. They are known for their handcrafted Pinot Noirs, as well as other cool-climate varietals such as Chardonnay, Syrah, and Roussanne. Their vineyards are located in the Gabilan Mountains, which are known for their well-drained soils and cool temperatures. Big Basin Vineyards was founded in 1998 by Michael and Barbara Benson. The couple had been making wine at home for many years, and they decided to turn their passion into a career. Big Basin Vineyards is committed to sustainable farming practices, and they are certified organic by the CCOF. They also use biodynamic farming methods, which focus on creating a healthy and balanced ecosystem in the vineyard.

Santa Cruz Mountains AVA unique encompassing a wide range of elevations, from 400 feet to 3,200 feet, which creates a variety of microclimates and soil types due to the Pacific Ocean cooling influence The Santa Cruz Mountains, which run along the coast south of San Francisco. A small AVA, less than 70 wineries, family owned quality focused.

Made from 100% whole cluster fermentation with ambient yeast and minimal intervention. Aged for 18 months in the barrel without finding or filtering. 2,040 bottles produced

Pours into the glass a vibrant ruby garnet red hue. Swirl and swoosh with deeply floral violet, loaded with red berries, savory black tea, baking spices, homemade pie crust, raspberry leaves, cinnamon and the wet forest floor. Whispers of allspice, gun smoke and dried herbs warm you with its toasty fireside oak. Bombing into the first sip reveals juicy fruit - cherries, raspberries, cranberries, red currants and plums followed by the earthiness, brown sugar, cherry cola, with a touch of saline minerals. The silky tannins slope into the zingy acidity echoing finish of warm vanilla, nutmeg and cloves.

This isn’t a bunny hill it’s a black diamond beauty folks.