2021 Seavey Merlot
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Tasting notes
All Merlot from the estate (and old vines), the 2021 Merlot was the first vintage where they moved away from whole berry fermentation and it saw roughly 18 days on skins, aged 20 months in 30-40% new oak. Ripe black cherries, leafy tobacco, black tea, hints of chocolate, and a kiss of minerality all define the aromatics, and it's medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and outstanding length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Seavey's 2021 Merlot is 100% Merlot, aged 20 months in 35% new French oak. Marked by scents of sage, cherries and dusty earth, it's medium to full-bodied, taut, restrained and balanced. While I'd personally like a bit more fruit and ripeness, this shows good length, silky tannins and should age extraordinarily well for a Napa Valley Merlot.
The 2021 Merlot is a powerful, brooding wine. A blast of dark cherry, grilled herbs, leather, licorice, incense and pipe tobacco hits the palate. As always, the Seavey Merlot is one of the most distinctive wines in Napa Valley. In this vintage it is especially earthy and savory.