Since 2002 Bradley Brown has been producing excellent estate Syrah; intense wines that deserve - nay, demand - cellaring. As the vines have aged and other Rhone varieties have been planted the range has expanded.  The latest release features two siblings that are very different from each other.

2010 Big Basin Old Corral Syrah 

The 2010 Old Corral is a dark, brooding wine featuring 13% Grenache and 1% Viognier. There's a deeply rich nose; lots of dark fruit - plum and blueberry, with herbal tones. Lots of young tannins back up a nice fruit core. It's almost painfully young at this stage; needs at least 3-5 years cellaring and will reward more. Highly recommended.

2010 Rattlesnake Rock Syrah

Blending just 11% Grenache into the Syrah somehow gives a lighter wine than the Old Corral. The nose is floral, almost soapy; it comes across more like a white wine than a red. Where the Old Corral showed black fruits the Rattlesnake Rock leans towards the red; more cherry than plum, with smoky, meaty notes and great structure.  Again. this is a wine you shouldn't plan to touch for a while. Highly recommended.

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Dr David Estrada is a dentist by trade. Around 1990 he planted 700 Pinot Noir vines around his home in Scotts Valley. The vines are closely spaced and farmed in a sustainable manner with minimal intervention.

Clos Tita was bonded in 1997 and is named after his wife, Britta. The first release included two Pinot Noirs - an Estate and a "Cuvee" blend of estate and purchased fruit, as well as a Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the years these three wines have been the mainstay of production, though the Cabernet Sauvignon is now a blend called "Gironde". In addition the winery occasionally releases a Syrah or Syrah blend.

Clos Tita were pouring at Michael's On Main for the SCMWA Passport Event.

2005 Clos Tita Estate Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Estate is aged for 2 years in new French oak. The nose shows earthy cherry and spicy, smoky oak. Full bodied, with rich, earthy fruit and a dry, earthy finish. Very young; needs 3-5 years cellar time. 90+ $36

2005 Clos Tita "Cuvee" Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mountains
The Cuvee includes fruit from the Branciforte Ridge vineyard and sees less oak. While still earthy and smoky the nose shows much more cherry and less oak notes. There's nice, rich cherry and brambly fruit with some spice. Much more fruit-forward than the Estate, this is clearly one to drink while waiting for its sibling. 90 $30

2005 Clos Tita "Gironde", Santa Cruz Mountains
A 50/50 blend from two small vineyards; Cabernet Sauvignon from Saratoga and Merlot from Los Gatos. The nose is smoky with brambly notes. There's nice blackcurrant fruit and light oak. Reminds me of Mount Eden's Saratoga Cuvee. 89 $27

2003 Clos Tita "Sierra Azul", Santa Cruz Mountains
A blend of Syrah, Merlot and Viognier.
Light nose. On the palate the Syrah shows with black fruit and white pepper notes, and a dry finish. 86

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