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Matt M. said: "Just visited Summers Estate and really enjoyed the experience. Joined their wine club too! Their wines are an excellent value compared to all the overpriced choices in Napa. And they have a Charbono. If you've never tried this wine,…" read more »
7 reviews for Seavey Vineyard
7 reviews in English
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Review from Larry M.
12/5/2010
***My winery/tasting room reviews are rated based upon many factors. First is QPR or quality to price ratio of the wine. In other words, is the wine priced according to how good it is. The second factor is the tasting room experience. This involves the staff, grounds and anything unique about the winery.***
Tasting room fee: Aprx. $25 (Forgot specifics)
Wine price range: $40-$95
Appointment may be required, CALL AHEAD
After tasting at some mega-fancy wineries this day, I needed a touch of everydayness. The location of Seavey, tucked way back in Conn Valley Road, and the thumbs up from fellow Yelper John R. made me think that a visit here was just what I needed. There are some real gems off the beaten path and I was hoping I would find another one.
I rolled in to their vineyard and mini cattle ranch. The property still has livestock used to keep the grass in check and for eating. Looking around you get the feeling that not much has changed in a long time. I found out that some of the buildings indeed are from the 1800's.
I walked in and was the only person there in the small but intimate tasting room. I was greeted by I think Alex, who talked about the winery history and introduced me to Mr. Seavey. He then joined me on an impromptu tour of the grounds and explained their philosophy.
They make a merlot and a chard. I did not keep notes on either. However, they poured two cabs, both of which were fantastic. It looks like I found another superstar.
I was not buying much wine on this trip, but had to make an exception here and picked up a great cabernet. It lasted until the night I got back from Napa when I opened it to enjoy with a nice filet mignon.
There are a lot of great names in Napa. Many of the more well known names are over-visited and little more than tourist traps (yes Sterling I am talking about you). If you are visiting Napa, there are many other wineries that make top notch wine and provide a much more intimate tasting room experience. But don't take my word for it. Robert Parker calls Seavey the "most underrated great Cabernet produced in Napa Valley." Geeze, now I regret only buying one bottle.
**Note, though not too far off Silverado trail, the road has some major potholes. Slow down or you might be explaining to your rental car company how you popped a tire and bent the rim. Uhhh. not that it happened to me or anything. -
Review from Stefan A.
Western Addition/NOPA, San Francisco, CA
4/7/2010
We had a staggeringly good tasting at Seavey a few months back. It's a hillside location of the Silverado Trail. The historic location (beautiful old stone building from the Franco-Swiss winery) dates to the late 1800's. The grounds are charming.
This is one of those few big deal Napa Cabernets people tell you about. It is breathtaking. As with other posters, the other varietals were terrific as well.
The tasting was just as friendly and informative as I would have hoped - as a guy who tastes a lot of wine that is a real treat for me.
Well worth the time. Definitely call ahead to make an appointment. -
Review from John R.
El Monte, CA
2/21/2009 1 photo
2005 Seavey Merlot Napa Valley!
Ah the much malign Merlot! That Movie made it famous~~~~~~~
Yeah I saw the Movie and love it. Merlot in general has gotten such a bad rap the last 5 years but Seavey Vineyards Merlot was one well structured wine. Merlot does sometimes come off tasting to much like Cabernet and to tell you the truth if I tasted those 2 grapes side by side. I would probably not be as accurate as I wanted to be.
Seavey Vineyards Merlot has a beautiful nose of blackberries with lots of cedar, clove and dark chocolate. It has a long finish. The Merlot has 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot added to it. The price is on the higher side at $50.00 per. You should be able to find it at Local So.Cal wine shops. Enjoy the wine if you dare drink a Merlot.
Cheers! -
Review from Matt M.
Atlanta, GA
5/7/2010 5 photos
We wound our way down Conn Valley Road- a short little departure from the valley floor that really feels far off the beaten path- finally arriving at Seavey. Seavey is essentially an old dairy farm in Conn Valley, restored into a winery and vineyards in 1981 by William Seavey. The winery is an old stone building overlooking what remains of the dairy farm. The vineyards are off in the distance on gentle low mountain slopes and across the pasture toward Lake Hennessey and Pritchard Hill. The vineyards are sustainably farmed and the winery is solar powered. All wines are 100% estate grown. The winemaking is overseen by consulting winemaking superstar Philippe Melka.
We tasted alongside another group, al fresco outside the winery. Luckily, there were some high rollers in the other group so we were drinking 97 Cab before too long. The 97 Cab was one of the best wines I've ever tasted... The 2005 is on its way there too. They had a killer gnarly Chardonnay with bright fruit and stinky cheese notes- awesome. The Caravina Cab was killer. Great experience- can't wait to go back. -
Review from Stephen Y.
San Francisco, CA
2/17/2010
Wow... as of 2/17/2010 there's only two reviews on Seavey. I shouldn't be that surprised since the winery is nestled in the winding roads in the secluded hills of Napa. Truly a hidden treasure just minutes away from hwy 29. The rustic farmhouses are used as their tasting room, office, distilling and storage. This is a true cult winery making less than 2000 cases a year. Prices range from $50-105 with a majority at $65/bottle.
This winery was recommended by Alex at Darioush and we were lucky to be invited up as they are closed on weekdays. Brandon gave us a nice tour of the estate and history. We even got to shake hands with the proprietor, Bill Seavey, charming man. The estate raises their own herd of cattle. Hopefully one day they'll host a wine pairing party and serve some delicious organic steaks! Say hi to Scooter and Leife! -
Review from Powell Y.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/15/2007
Date: January 18, 2005
Winery: Seavey Vineyard
Winemaker: Philippe Melka
Tasting: Appointments only
Contact: 707.963.8339
Tucked away deep inside Conn Valley up Howell Mountain Road. If you want to plan a trip to visit this quaint winery, should also book a few other appointments in the area, such as Buehler Vineyards.
2001 Chardonnay
A Meursault clone Chardonnay if I recall correctly. Fig and floral perfume on the nose. Flavor of Chinese preserved sour plum with mineral and stone. Don't the the word sour scare you off, just a very distinct flavor profile I picked up. A very well made Chardonnay that can age for a few years.
2001 Merlot
Cherry and orange peel essence. Touch of dried strawberries. Pine, red fruits, mint and Italian herbs. Approachable tannin.
2001 Caravina
Red/black plum nose. On palate, it's like biting into a ripe red plum with sweet tannin, bay leaf, eucalyptus and a touch of anise and coriander.
2001 Cabernet Sauvignon
Ripe Bing Cherry rises from the glass. Firm tannin hits you on the palate immediately, followed by deep sweet black fruits hiding in the background. An elegant wine that's got great structure, complexity and a strong mid-palate. Long finish. Reminds me a bit of '99 when it's first released, need to crack one of those to see how it's progressing. -
Review from Tom J.
San Antonio, TX
2/21/2011
Given the other reviews posted, I emailed the winery to schedule an appointment for a visit earlier month. Unfortunately, I never received a call back. I rated them two stars knowing the wine is great, but if they really do not want visitors, then say so. Given today's economy, it seems quite rude not to return phone calls or emails.
