2010 Seavey Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina
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Tasting notes
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Caravina is a selection made by Philippe Melka that is, in essence, a second wine. Melka is going for a more forward, early drinking, consumer-friendly wine, and this wine achieves those goals. It offers abundant notes of licorice, roasted herbs, forest floor and damp, loamy soil. Medium to full-bodied, soft, round, pure and impressive, it can be drunk now and over the next 15+ 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
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
(100% cabernet sauvignon): Good full red-ruby. Aromas of black raspberry, mocha, coffee, licorice and mint, plus a whiff of minerals. On the lean side and dry on the palate, with its sweet vanillin oak currently dominating dark fruit and mineral flavors. I get an impression of incomplete ripeness here. Finishes with dry-edged tannins.
The 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Caravina is fabulous. Smoke, incense and dark red berries and smoke are some of the many nuances that take shape in the glass. This is an unusually complex second wine loaded with class and personality. I can't think of too many wines that deliver this much sheer character for the money. Firm tannins frame the muscular finish. Ideally the 2010 needs another few years to settle down, but it is pretty special, even today. Readers who want to understand the essence of the 2010 vintage without spending a fortune will want to check out this gorgeous Cabernet.
Full red-ruby. High-pitched, perfumed aromas of cassis, violet, crushed rock and chocolate, plus a suggestion of strawberry jam. Then sweet, supple and plush in the mid-palate, with a refreshing hint of coolness to its cassis and loam flavors. This refreshing, fine-grained wine should offer considerable early appeal.