2011 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Seavey Vineyard is such an elegant wine. Crushed leaves, tobacco, dried cherry, mint, cedar and graphite are all typical of a wine that is fully mature. The 2011 is likely to stay in this plateau for a number of years; however, there is no upside to be had from further cellaring. The 2011 is a very pretty wine that is in the zone.
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Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
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(14.5% alcohol; includes 6% Petit Verdot): Bright medium ruby. The aromas of blueberry, boysenberry, black cherry, black pepper, purple flowers and mocha display an intriguing liqueur-like topnote. Juicy, bright and penetrating, with a distinct vein of acidity running through it and contributing to the impression of sharp delineation. This youthfully imploded wine is leaner and drier than the 2010 or 2009 releases but stands out for the purity of its boysenberry, licorice and savory mineral flavors. Firm-edged tannins and a finishing note of menthol call for patience but the long finish is not hard. A big success for the vintage, this will merit an even higher score if it expands with time in the cellar.
The 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is another fabulous wine from Seavey. Intensely mineral, the 2011 is laced with ash, graphite, sweet tobacco and smoke nuances. The style is rich, intense and powerful, with gorgeous layers of flavor that continue to develop in the glass. The 2011 is textured and nuanced to the core. What a gorgeous wine this is. Production was about 50% of normal. The 2011 is 94% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Petit Verdot.
While the 2011s are obviously lighter, the 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate displays a deep ruby/purple color along with notes of beef blood, black currants, charcoal and burning embers. This complex effort hits the palate with sweet tannin, medium to full-bodied richness and a long finish. It is surprisingly evolved and forward by the standards of most Seavey Cabernets, and should drink well for 15 more years. This Conn Valley winery continues to impress with their full throttle, ageworthy Cabernet Sauvignons made with the consulting assistance of Philippe Melka. The vineyards are all dry-farmed hillside sites and as Melka has told me many times, the biggest issue with the Seavey vineyards is trying to control the formidable tannins that emerge in nearly every vintage. 2010 is certainly their strongest vintage since 2008 and 2007. Tel. (707) 963-8339