2003 Seavey Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon (bin soiled label)

One of the blockbuster wines of the vintage, Seavey’s 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon was made with consulting assistance from Philippe Melka. It spent 19 months in 50% new French oak prior to bottling. A big, robust, exuberant, powerful Conn Valley Cabernet Sauvignon from dry-farmed hillside vineyards and extremely low yields, it achieved a lofty 15.4% natural alcohol (which is not the least bit noticeable in the wine’s flavor profile). Truffle, new saddle leather, black currant, spice box and Grave-like scorched earth and barbecue notes are present in this full-bodied, broodingly rich, primordial Cabernet Sauvignon. It possesses plenty of tannin, but also enormous, luxurious fruit and body. (RP)