Wines
of the Week:
Seebass Vineyards - Mendocino County, Ca
The
folks at
Seebass Vineyards have been growing grapes
on their estate, in California's Mendocino County for over thirty
years. Much of that fruit is sold to Clos du Bois, Kendall Jackson,
Hess Collection, Paul Dolan, Graziano Family of Wines, and other
fine producers in the area. But a select amount goes into making
Seebass wines, which what our tasting panel found to be top-notch:
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Seabass
2015 "Fantasie" Grenache Rose
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Grenache
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2015
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 30-35
Review:
Fragrances of strawberries, melons, grapefruits, and honey
rise up from a glass. The palate showcases flavors of
strawberry, raspberry, and citrus fruit that flow into
hints of sweet spice. A fresh acidity balanced by approachable
fruit make this a ideal wine to pair with grilled shrimp.
173 cases produced.
Rating: 90 |
|
Seabass
2014 "Grand Reserve" Chardonnay
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2014
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
This vegan wine (no animal products used in filtering
or fining) presents with aromatics of pears, apples, and
peaches mingle with allusions of crème brulee and
lemon zest on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of golden
apple and pear that unfold into suggestions of marzipan
and citrus zest. Offering a welcoming acidity and slightly
creamy mouth-feel, pair it with crab cakes. 242 cases
were made.
Rating: 91 |
|
Seabass
2013 "Grand Reserve" Syrah
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 40-45
Review:
Blackberry, cherry, and plum aromas interweave with elements
of spice, floral earth, and herbs on the nose. Dark cherries,
bramble berries, and ripe plum flavors emerge on the palate,
alongside undertones of white pepper, dried herbs, and
floral earth. A vegan wine with intriguing layers (that
may seem a bit exotic to some), open a bottle with lamb
chops. 263 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Seabass
NV "Mysteriös" Blend
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): Zinfandel, Merlot, Syrah, and
Grenache
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
n/a
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
A combination 2011 & 2012 fruit, this wine offers
a bouquet of jammy raspberries, cherries, boysenberries,
and sweet spice. Cherry, raspberry, and plum flavors emerge
on the palate, accented by whispers of spice and minerals.
Elegant with soft tannins, match it up with hamburgers
fresh from the grill. 175 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
|
Seabass
2012 "Grand Reserve" Merlot
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% 2
"Merlot
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
Notes of blackberry, plum, and raspberry meld with hints
of vanilla, anise, and earth on the nose. Raspberries,
boysenberries, and plums fuse with elements of vanilla,
cocoa, and minerals on the palate. With welcoming fruit
and plush tannins, enjoy a glass of this vegan wine next
time you have a mushroom risotto. 190 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Seabass
2011 "Old Vine" Zinfandel
Winery:
Seebass Vineyards
Grape(s): 100% Zinfandel
Region: Mendocino County, California
Year:
2011
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 45-50
Review:
The nose offers aromas of cherries, plums, and raspberries
that blend with whispers of pepper and perfumed earth.
On the palate, jammy plum, raspberry, and cherry are accented
by nuances of coriander and earth. Quite rich for a Zin,
with refined tannins and a pleasant bit of spice, a rack
of ribs would be a lovely companion. 212 cases were made.
Rating: 90 |
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
|
*Wines
rated with a "+" need
a bit more time to reach peak quality
but will
do so over the coming years
|