2003 Seavey, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley 1x750ml

Vinous 91

(15.4% alcohol, the highest to this point; includes 5% Petit Verdot): Full medium ruby. The aromas and flavors of blueberry liqueur and chocolate convey a port-like ripeness. Thick, rich and hugely ripe but dry; a very powerful, liqueur-like wine with little in the way of restraint. The major granular tannins avoid coming off as dry thanks to the wine’s back-end sweetness. Some tasters will find this a bit extreme, but like the 2002 it may yet benefit from losing more of its baby fat. [Stephen Tanzer, 04/01/2017]

Anticipated maturity: 2017-2028

Robert Parker 97

One of the blockbuster wines of the vintage, Seavey’s 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was made with consulting assistance from Philippe Melka. It spent 19 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. A big, robust, exuberant, powerful Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from dry-farmed hillside vineyards and extremely low yields, it achieved a lofty 15.4% natural alcohol (which is not the least bit noticeable in the wine’s flavor profile). Truffle, new saddle leather, black currant, spice box and Grave-like scorched earth and barbecue notes are present in this full-bodied, broodingly rich, primordial Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses plenty of tannin, but also enormous, luxurious fruit and body. This 2003 should hit its peak in 5-6 years and last at least two decades. (The 1990 and 1991 Seaveys are still young wines!) Tel. (707) 963-8339; Fax (707) 963-0232 [Robert M. Parker, Jr., 28/06/2013]

Anticipated maturity: 2018-2038