Seavey Release Letter Registration


Seavey Vineyard



 

  1997 Seavey Merlot
 
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750ml Price: $100.00

Composite: 100%ME
Produced: 200 Cases
Alcohol: 14.1%
Oak: 30% New French
Cellaring: 12-15 Years

Wine Details:
 
100% ESTATE GROWN, PRODUCED AND BOTTLED - NAPA VALLEY AVA

"There are 300 cases of the 1997 Merlot, an intense, full-bodied, gorgeously pure, 100% Merlot that saw 40% new French oak. It reveals the tell-tale espresso bean, chocolatey, sweet, jammy berry fruit, an unctuous, thick texture, full body, and excellent purity and length. It is a gorgeous Merlot to drink now and up to 2015. (release date 4/00). The Seavey estate has 40 acres of vineyards, yet yields are so low that in 1998 they produced only 2,340 cases!" - Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate

Seavey Vineyard’s fourth estate produced Merlot, the 1997, was made from 100% Merlot grapes grown primarily on a gradually sloping East-facing block near the top of the vineyard.  The 1997 growing season began with an early, mild Spring and little rain which allowed good blossoming and fruit set, and the cool summer weather, especially in August, encouraged even ripening.  The grapes were harvested on September 11 at optimal ripeness of sugar and tanning and with concentrated fruit flavors.

Winemaking style followed classic Bordeaux methods; following fermentation the wine aged in French oak barrels (40% new oak) for 18 months before bottling on May 17, 1999.

The 1997 Merlot has a saturated purple color, is full bodied and rich with lots of jammy fruit, black cherries, earth and chocolate, and opulent texture and excellent purity and length.  It is a gorgeous Merlot to drink now and over the next 12-15 years.  Production was limited to 200 cases.
 
Production Team:
  • Consultant Winemaker: Philippe Melka
  • Vineyard Foreman: Mario Gutierrez