romo

9.3

Softening nicely at twelve years. — 6 months ago

David Kaplan

9.6

This Soave Classico Vigneto Sengialta Balestri Valda 2017 comes from a single hillside parcel of black basaltic soil planted to Garganega and Trebbiano di Soave. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented separately, and matured in neutral 2000-liter botti for twelve months. In the glass, the wine has a saturated, deep yellow-gold color, with flashes of green-gold just at the edge. Aromas of sun-warmed yellow peaches, crystallized honey, marzipan, and acacia blossoms emerge at first, then alternate with fleeting suggestions of beeswax, grated nutmeg, and sage, as the nose evolves in the glass. On the palate, the wine honeyed and opulent, with a round, juicy core of sweet stone fruit and honey that echoes the nose, along with plenty of dry extract, deep saline minerality, and ripe tartaric acidity. The layered sweet core of honeyed melon and almond paste is seasoned with delicate bitterness, and the long elegant finish is punctuated with fine mineral grip. Drink now – 2030 (yes, the wine is irresistible today, but according to Laura Rizzotto, a bottle that hid unnoticed for fifteen or more years in a good cellar would be a treasure). — Moore Brothers, Brooklyn — 3 years ago

Dan

9.0

All right for the price — 4 years ago

Jenna Whitrock

9.2

Very dark and deep flavors — 6 months ago

romo

9.3

Softening up with green notes weaving into the fruits at twelve yrs. Impressive. — 8 months ago

Delectable Wine

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9.0

Brilliant straw-yellow. Fresh citrus and orchard fruit aromas, along with hints of toasty lees and honeysuckle. Chewy and focused on the palate, offering juicy pear and Meyer lemon flavors that slowly deepen through the midpalate. Finishes long and floral, with a lingering hint of spiciness. (Josh Raynolds, Vinous, September 2020)
— 4 years ago

Jay Kline

9.3

We opened this bottle late on Friday night and poured off a small glass to see what we were working with. As I suspected, far too young with loads of energy, rolls of baby fat and frankly, not very well behaved. So we pressed the cork back in the bottle and figured we would try our luck the next day when my parents stopped by for a socially distant glass of wine to “celebrate” Easter together. I’m so glad we waited. Twelve or so hours of slow-ox made a huge difference. While it was still very primary, it was much more enjoyable showing a strong core of dark berries, tobacco, leather, coffee and baking spices. But again, where Seavey really excels is texture and sense of place. To be expected for mountain fruit at this age, the tannins are firm but reasonable and there is such lovely acid that screams Howell Mountain. I have no doubt this will have a very bright future! In my mind, Caravina is probably the greatest “second” wine in Napa. This is Seavey’s 19th and latest vintage of Caravina. After an extended drought, 2017 began with torrential rain that flooded the valley. The fruit comes entirely from steep hillside blocks on the estate and is otherwise made in the same fashion as the Grand Vin. If you’re going to drink one now, I highly recommend a lengthy decant as these are easily 10 years away from their best. — 4 years ago

J B

9.2

Nice white wine. Eileen likes — 6 months ago

Eric Urbani

9.0

Still interesting lol — 3 years ago

Willie Carter

9.1

A dusty garnet, with considerable bricking and orange tinges. Much more rustic and lighter than most Brunellos I’ve encountered. Classic Sangiovese notes on the nose with old, worn leather and smoked tobacco. The fruit has faded a good bit but the dried cherries and dark, plummy fruits still show well. The floral aromatics are prominent after plenty of air.

Even going on seventeen years, there’s still a more approachable nature to this than most of its cousins. Needs plenty of time decanting but it’s worth it. Dry, with low acidity, this opens up to you more than others and is just plain eager to please. The damp forest floor characteristics kick in and makes this so comforting despite a touch of astringency. Silky elegant tannins.

On the palate, there’s a deep notes of mocha and vanilla, along with more slightly fading fruit and pencil lead. Little touches of cinnamon and leather compliment. This is unique among Brunellos I’ve tasted in that it’s there to be light and enjoyable. Drink up. — 4 years ago