Brian Kelly

9.7

Oh yeah! Been a few years since I've last had this, but man, this is the perfect example of a double IPA. Having a mule in the Bay Area is great! — 5 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

There is nothing like taking a $31 bottle of Napa Cabernet and turning it into liquid gold. All you have to do is buy a good producer’s decent vintage or better and hold it in bottle for nearly 10 years or longer. Bottle age can’t be accomplished in a decanter, no matter how long you decant it. It simply will not round out the wine, make the tannins well resolved, integrate all the flavors that equate to a nice complex wine.

I was saddened to see a quality Napa Valley Pioneer recently sell its winery. I am sure somewhere Joe Heitz is beside himself. However, nothing stands for forever. We’ll see what the new owners do with it. Certainly, the last free quality free tasting in Napa Valley is gone forever. To be continued...

The nose reveals; dark currants, ripe, ruby, slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries and cherry kirsch. Sweet tarry notes, black, rich, turned soil, anise, steep fruit tea, limestone minerals, dry crushed rock, underbrush, soft leather, hints of dry herbs, moist clay with candied, bright, dark, red, blue florals and violets for days.

The body is full, very round and gorgeous across the palate. The tannins are about 80% resolved but, still showing some teeth. The structure, tension, length and balance have hit the top of the bell curve and will hold there awhile longer. There is nothing in this wine that bites back or is astringent. Dark currants, ripe, ruby, slightly candied fruits of; blackberries, dark cherries, black raspberries, black plum, blueberries, raspberries on the high palate and long set with cherry kirsch. Sweet tarry notes, black, rich, turned soil, anise, steep fruit tea, caramel, some milk chocolate, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry top soil, underbrush, soft leather, touch of graphite, hints of dry herbs, moist clay with amazing candied, bright, dark, red, blue florals and violets for days. The acidity is like a palate waterfall. The long finish is; delicious, gorgeous, ruby, well balanced, elegant with polish that persists nicely for minutes.

Photos of; Heitz vineyard, tasting bar/room on Hwy 29, sitting area outside the tasting room and Heitz winery and Estate vines. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.5

Barrel taste of the 2016 Insignia.

The nose shows bright red floral fruits. Ripe; dark cherries, blackberries, creamed black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and a touch of pomegranate. Vanillin, light cinnamon, dark rich soils, dark chocolate bar, soft understated volcanic minerals, violets, red and dark florals.

The wine is still extremely fresh. The body medium full. Tannins are round & slight tarry. The fruits are very ripe and bright. Ripe; dark cherries, blackberries, creamed black raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and a touch of pomegranate. Vanillin, light cinnamon, dark rich soils, dark chocolate bar, soft understated volcanic minerals, limestone, violets, red and dark florals. The acidity is fresh and waterfallish. The fruit is beautiful. The wine has a long way to go in barrel but, it shows great promise. The finish is already well polished with great structure, length and balance.

Photos of; their Napa Estate vines, logo woven into the carpet, futures offering area and long shot of their visitor center building and terrace. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

This wine had a lot of time to open up. It was vacuum sealed late Saturday and put back in storage.

On Saturday, this wine would have fooled a lot of people in a blind tasting. It started almost Cabernet like; thick, big, showing plenty of milk/mocha chocolate, caramel with dark currants. Tonight, it reveals the classic Zinfandel style, fruits and structure.

On the nose; showing a bit of it turning with a tinge of Port quality, slightly sour dark and mid fruits. Sweet vanilla, some caramel, spiced fruit cake, plum, ripe, ruby; black raspberries, blue fruits, dark sweet almost liqueur cherries, blackberries, plum and some baked strawberries. Limestone, light volcanic minerals, warm, dark spices, sweet vanilla, some caramel, spiced fruit cake, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon stick, tarry notes, some dry & fresh herbs, raspberry cola and dark, fresh & withering dark flowers.

The body & structure has waned a bit from Friday but still full. It remains ripe, fruity and elegant. Ruby; black raspberries, blue fruits, dark sweet almost liqueur cherries, blackberries, plum and some baked strawberries. Limestone, light volcanic minerals, warm, dark spices press deeply into the palate, nutmeg, clove, cinnamon stick, sweet vanilla, some caramel, spiced fruit cake, tarry notes, some dry & fresh herbs, mint, eucalyptus, raspberry cola and dark, fresh & withering dark flowers with violets. The acidity is round and lovely. The long, elegant, ripe, well balanced finish is sensational and heats up with dark, penetrated spice on the long set. It goes on and on for minutes.

Photos of; a long shot of the Estate and vines, their pay on honor vegetable & fruit stand, great picnic area and their tasting room. — 7 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.5

Crimson in colour with youthful purple tinged. Lovely spicy peppery nose with a hint of ginger. Medium bodied with cherry/berry fruits. From the Adelaide Hills but could be Northern Rhone. This is a well crafted wine from a great vintage made by a talented pair of winemakers in a good area for cool climate Shiraz- the perfect storm! And a pleasure to drink. — 9 years ago

Carson Gray

Sommelier, Director of Adult Beverage & Restaurant Development @ HMSHost

9.1

Excellent old world expression of gruner coming from an unlikely area. Well done with good balance, bright acidity, intense floral notes, under ripe pear and a mineral finish. — 10 years ago

with Tumashova

Tom Jevert

8.9

At Forrester's on the river in Downtown Toledo. They call this area the "Docks". Perfect easy drinker — 10 years ago

Charlie Abbott

Sommelier Casa Mono

9.3

One of my favorites. Lots of richness and complexity but it doesn't lose the lightness and minerality that I love from this area. El pecado=the sin, roman slaves who worked this vineyard called it hell bc it was so steep, this is Raùl's homage to them. 2011 vintage — 10 years ago

with Casa

Matthew Phillips

8.9

Lovely rich and fruity — 11 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

@Plate&Bottle

Second Course: Green Salad, Shaved Apple, Parmesan, Honey Walnut & Lemon Vinaigrette.

Acid meets acid in a beautiful tug of war. Lemon, nuts, honey and citrus all get along very well. So good!


If you live in & around the greater Bay Area, you owe to yourself to attend one of the dinners Hedy holds 4-5 times a year. Not only is the food amongst the very best we had, the people that attend and environment are as equally good. Find Hedy @Plate&Bottle — 5 years ago

Jeremy Shaun Brown

9.0

😍 awesome spot — 6 years ago

Bill Bender

9.4

In December I took my Chicago Bear/San Diego-LA Charger loving Dad for a trip to to Chicago that culminated in a trip to Green Bay to catch a Packer game. We stopped off in Elkhart Lake with my friend from CA who grew up in the area and his sister runs the Lake Street Cafe in town. This was WOTN of the 4 wines that I brought to this leg of the trip. So much depth here, mouth coating tannins and gobs of well integrated fruit. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.7

The nose reveals; dark currants, blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries. Black tea, expresso roast, anise, crushed dry rocks, big vanilla, clove, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, woody notes with dark fresh & withering flower bouquet.

The body is big and lush. The tannins are big, meaty and tarry. Very dark currants. Blackberries, heavy black plum, black raspberries, dark cherries and some blueberries & strawberries as they open up. Black tea, expresso roast, steeped fruit tea, anise, crushed dry rocks, dry clay, big graphite, big vanilla, dark spice, clove, light dry herbs, a little nutmeg, dry underbrush, sweet tarry notes, leather, cedar with violets dark fresh & withering flower bouquet. The acidity is round, fresh and beautiful. The big, long, well balanced finish is excellent and look forward to having this in 15-20 years. This one will be a stunner!

Photos of, the barn where they make wine and hosts tastings, our private tasting area inside William’s old office. William desk and their outside terrace area.

Producer history & notes...Seavey Vineyard is located along Conn Valley Road in the eastern hills of Napa Valley, about 15 minutes from the valley floor.

This historical property was originally a cattle ranch. However, records indicate grapes were planted on some of the hillsides as early as the 1870’s. The stone dairy barn, still in existence, was built in 1881.

William & Mary Seavey purchased this property in 1979. The estate was originally founded by the Franco-Swiss Farming Company in 1881 which, closed down when Phylloxera destroyed their grape vines and the Volstead Act (Prohibition) went into effect. At the time of their purchase, they were a horse and cattle ranch. They quickly planted the slopes with grapes and initially sold their fruit to Raymond Vineyards. They have never purchased grapes, all their wine is made from estate grapes. Their vineyards are separated into 20 plus individual blocks.

Today, the property is about 200 total acres of which, 40 acres are planted to vine. Their hillside vineyards produce low yields of rich concentrated fruit. A small block of Chardonnay grows in a cooler lower part of their property. Besides grapes, they also raise cattle which are used to graze the hillsides. They feed the vineyard with the cattle cuttings. In 2003, they were one of the first Napa wineries to install solar.

Mary passed away in 2008 and William died in 2016. There daughter Dorie returned to the family business and now oversees the winery operations. Her brother Arthur also handles national and some small international sales, primarily to restaurants. However, most of their wine is sold direct to consumers.

Seavey’s first commercial vintage was released in 1990 a year after they renovated the stone dairy barn into a working winery. Today this stone building is the centerpiece of the property and is where tastings are hosted.

Since 2011, Jim Duane has been their day to day Winemaker. He’s worked at Robert Mondavi and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars. It should also be noted that Philippe Melka Winemaker/Consultant has been with Seavey since 1995...one of Philippe’s two initial wine making jobs in the Napa Valley were with Seavey and Lail Vineyards.

Seavy makes about 3,200 cases annually depending on what mother nature brings. They make around two hundred cases of Chardonnay, slightly more Merlot and the rest is of the production is comprised of their Caravina and Estate Cabernets.
— 7 years ago

Mark Mannebach

9.5

The best sweet wine I ever tasted. Special area of Loire Valley with just a few producers — 9 years ago

Tai Krueger

9.0

It's good. It's really good. Shows off that bright, confectionary fruit typical of the Santa Lucia Highlands area. Here's the thing though: Sierra Mar Vineyard was only planted in 2008. The vines are still pretty young. The Franscionis have a stellar (and well deserved) reputation for their vineyards, and I'm sure Sierra Mar will get there, but right now I'm just not sure it's showing the complexity I'd like for a $60 single vineyard Pinot. If it's between this and Roar's Gary's Vineyard, Rosella's Vineyard, or Pisoni Vineyard, get one of the other single vineyards. — 9 years ago

Ryan Quinter

9.7

Good afternoon tasting with the winemakers nephew. Met the winemaker while tasting and exploring the area. — 10 years ago

Patrick Goo

9.4

I'm a big red wine type of person. This is Paloma's little sister. Grapes from dry creek valley. Best wine I've had from that area ever. Wish they still made. I've had 2007 as well and both are outstanding. — 10 years ago

Théo Cauchois

9.2

Fresh, spiced and jammy but with the nicest acidity i have had in Banyuls area — 10 years ago

Angela Lincecum

9.9

Mid level ( same area) — 12 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

EnRoute established in the RRV in 2007 by the partners of Far Niente. Les Pommiers introduced in May 2009 and reflects a blend of vineyards from Green Valley and upper Middle Reach area of RRV AVA. Complex fruit aromas, cedar and mineral notes. On the palate cherry and cranberry flavors with tobacco and toasty oak, rich structured tannins. Nice mouthfeel, zesty crisp acidity ending with fruit, mineral and oak character. Nice! Tasting Sample. — 6 years ago

Frank Chen

9.3

Margret river...good red fruit Shiraz cooler area in a hot region ...producing solid wine..redfruit/dried fruit qualities but love that Australian animalistic earthy undertone ...solid — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

The nose reveals, floral, ripe; blueberries blackberries, dark cherries, plum, boysenberries, strawberries and black raspberries. Limestone minerals, dry crush rocks, dark spice, sweet tarry notes, steeped tea, vanilla, some clove, a whiff of nutmeg, dark chocolate, saddle-wood to cedar, some black licorice, garrigue with blue flowers, violets and withering dark florals.

The body is medium full, round and lush. The tannins are around 80% resolved and still have some sticky tar. The structure, tension, length & balance have nearly come about to full evolution. Ripe; blueberries blackberries, dark cherries, baked plum, boysenberries, strawberries and black raspberries. Limestone minerals, dry crush rocks, dark spice, sweet tarry notes, steeped tea, vanilla, some clove, a whiff of nutmeg, dark chocolate, a little mushroom on the last glass, saddle-wood to cedar, some black licorice, garrigue, dry clay & top soil with blue flowers, violets and withering dark florals. The acidy is like a waterfall. The finish is ripe, elegant, well balanced, polished with powdery dry tannins on the long set. It’s finish is persistent for minutes.

Photos of; the Joseph Phelps tasting terrace, inside lounge area with original old vats and the spectacular view off the terrace.

@Dawn Emory Sampling wines along their evolutionary path is amazing. My thoughts still haven’t changed great wine for less $ with patience. — 6 years ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.3

Vintage 2017 / My brother in law brought this wine in France from the #loire and said: try this. I opened it for Sunday lunch with ripe Guadeloupe melon with ham. It surprised me, #pinotgris is seldom seen in the Loire area. It has a shy spicy smell and an beautiful balance in taste with refined sweetness. Awesome effort of the producer. — 7 years ago

Melissa E

9.0

I loved this. When I go back to Sacramento area I will drive out again, thank you. — 7 years ago

Kyle Harvey

9.1

Again people, run if you see a Faro blend, this was just a colt but will be a stallion in a few years - the blend of these grapes and metamorphic soils of this area make these wines sing - herbal nose with a refined medium palette of ripe cherries and a solid mineral finish. — 7 years ago

Gina R.

9.4

Love this Chenin Blanc. I'm not usually one for demi-sec or off-dry, but this bottle catalyzed my willingness to try a host of other wines I'd not otherwise have considered. Originally bought in Minneapolis, sought out again in Chicago, driving 35 min to get the last few bottles in the metro area. — 9 years ago

Mike Saviage

9.7

Reddish orange purple. Opaque and dark. Nose that immediately says old La La. Really rich fruit and structure in the mouth. Really long finish. Guesses were around the 82/83 Mouline or Turque area but no, it was old Hermitage. This was as good as my experiences with the 78 version of this wine. Stood out on a night of great wines. — 9 years ago

Clayton Bahr

8.9

Blind wine #1....right grape and area, way off on vintage — 10 years ago

Luis Arguero (@winefromAtoZ)

9.0

Great fruit. Oak. Silky smooth finish. A great Cab with awesome features typical of the area that make our CA wines recognized and appreciated by all — 10 years ago

Chris Mello

9.2

Don't let the campiness of the label/tasting room fool you... Excellent mouthfeel and a taste of crisp melon. Great summertime wine for sipping or with a light salad. — 11 years ago