The last time I went to Big Basin Vineyards for a tasting was in November. I took a guest from England who was bowled over with the drive up there.
Wending our way on Route 236 through redwoods the size of skyscrapers (the winery is close to Big Basin Redwoods State Park), an offshoot winding road to the right called Memory Lane ends at the verdant estate of winemaker and owner Bradley Brown.
The drive alone is worth the time and effort—and awaiting you are the most wonderful wines to taste, including a splendid 2019 Rosé ($27). A blend of Grenache (47%), Carignane (32%), Syrah (13%), and Mourvedre (8%), all the grapes are whole cluster pressed, resulting in a splendid mélange of aromas and flavors.
“The nose is floral with hints of peach and apricot,” Brown says. “On the palate, the minerality comes through as crushed rocks with hints of stone fruit and just enough mouthwatering acidity to power a clean, but long, finish.”
This pale pink-peach beauty of a wine is ideal for summer days and picnics. Try it and Brown’s other wines at his Saratoga tasting room, or on his gorgeous property in Boulder Creek.
Big Basin Vineyards, 830 Memory Lane, Boulder Creek. 831-621-8028. bigbasinvineyards.com.
Gourmet To Go Culinary Services
Gourmet To Go Culinary Services is a local company owned by longtime chef Elizabeth Bourget. Now is a good time to treat yourselves to some delicious healthy food that is all carefully prepared according to your culinary needs and delivered right to your door. Chef Bourget uses local food sources such as Fogline Farms, Companion Bakery, Malabar Tea Company, and Belle Farms Olive Oil. Having prepared food for the likes of Debbie Reynolds and Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Bourget is very much in demand as a personal chef and caterer. She is a chef-coach too, and even demos appliances. This busy chef is also president of the Bay Area Chapter of the United States Personal Chef Organization. Visit their website at bayareapersonalchefs.com for information.
Gourmet To Go Culinary Services, 40 Carneros Road, Aromas. 831-818-7532. gourmettogoculinary.com.
