The Wines
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon
14.9% ABV
Rutherford, Napa Valley
Vintage Briefing:
The 2021 growing season in Rutherford, Napa Valley, unfolded as a testament to resilience and adaptability, qualities deeply ingrained in the SEAL ethos, and despite facing colder temperatures during winter and a drier-than-average spring, the season presented its challenges with characteristic resolve. Four notable heat events, including unexpected spikes in May and September, added an element of unpredictability to the mission. With rainfall remaining below average for the fourth consecutive year, growers embraced the adversity with unwavering determination. However, the summer months bestowed favorable conditions, fostering optimal grape development within a condensed timeframe. Both bloom and veraison accelerated, typically spanning several weeks, showcasing the team's efficiency and agility. Harvest kicked off early, anticipating October's challenging weather patterns. Despite facing below-average yields, the 2021 vintage emerged as a testament to quality, poised to leave a lasting impression on the palate.
Mission Execution:
Harvested on September 15th, the 2021 vintage reflects the meticulous planning and execution synonymous with SEAL operations. Grapes were meticulously hand-harvested under the cover of night, harnessing the cool temperatures to preserve vibrant acidity and fruit expression. The process began with a cold soak of the must, setting the stage for gentle extraction and optimal flavor development. Fermentation occurred across various vessels, including stainless steel and 500-liter oak puncheons, each contributing uniquely to the final blend. Rigorous pump-overs, executed precisely, ensured thorough color extraction and the development of rich varietal nuances. Aging in 75% new French oak added layers of complexity, seamlessly integrating bright fruit expression with delicate oak spice notes. After an extended period of barrel élevage, the vineyard components were harmoniously blended, culminating in a wine that reflects the essence of its terroir.
Tasting Debrief:
Crafted from vines that thrive amidst adversity, this wine exudes a sense of resilience and strength. Vibrant cassis, violet, and bramble aromas testify to the vineyard's indomitable spirit. Rutherford's signature cocoa powder dust dances on the palate, harmonizing with fresh acidity to deliver a seamless entry. Well-integrated tannins navigate a mid-palate of mocha, leading to a finish adorned with notes of cranberry and marshmallow, subtly spiced with graphite and thyme. Each sip is a journey, a testament to the unwavering commitment to excellence that defines the SEAL community.
----
2021 Chenin Blanc
100% Old Vine Chenin Blanc
12.9% ABV
Green Valley Vineyards
Soil: Conejo
Aged in 100% neutral French Oak: 10 months.
Vinification - Hand-harvested and intensely sorted in the vineyard and then at the winery ensures only the best fruit goes into the press. 75% of the fruit is destemmed, stomped by foot, and left to macerate on the skins for six hours prior to pressing to allow for more length in the wine. Once determined that the grapes are ready to be pressed; the remaining whole bunches are placed in the press to act as channel to allow the juice to pass through uninterrupted, followed by the destemmed fruit on top. The grapes are slowly, and gently pressed over the course of three hours. Settled overnight in tank, the juice is barreled down into neutral French Oak barrels and fermented cold for over a month. Secondary fermentation is allowed and finishes in the Spring.
Chenin Blanc - Tasting Note - Energy and tension drive a core of crushed rocks, wet stone, waxflower, and pear.
White Peach, citrus- with deep layers of saline minerality back by a striking mid-palate depth that will continue to emerge over time. The finish is clean, vibrant, and intensely focused.
Serving - Drink 2022-2030. Forward and fruit driven now. The acid driven wine will allow for an optimal aging period. Cellaring will allow for the complexity of the wine to show its true colors. Serve just above cellar temperature to all the aromas of pear, white peach and waxflower to truly emerge.
----
2021 Warpaw, Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley
Date of Harvest: 9/16/2023
Brix at Harvest: 23.4
PH: 3.55
TA: .63 g/100mL
Alc. by Vol: 13.3%
Viticulture – Roma’s Vineyard is located at 1850 feet above sea level on Lone Tree Ridge, overlooking the town of Boonville, parallel to the coast, taking in full sunlight. The soil is comprised of “Gold Ridge Loam” over sandstone. The rootstock, planted in 1993, is drought-resistant 3309, grafted to Pommard cuttings from Ted Bennet and Deborah Cahn’s world-renowned Navarro Vineyards. The vineyard is dry farmed by Dean Carrell using organic principals and cordon pruned with early leaf removal to allow the grapes to acclimate to the summer sun, which in turn thickens the skin, adds a deeper hue to the texture, discourages mildew, and at full maturity, adds more extraordinary richness and dimensionality of flavor.
Vinification – Hand-harvested and intensely sorted in the vineyard and then at the winery ensures only the best fruit goes into the tank. The fermentation was waded by foot twice daily, allowing for gentle extraction. The final blend includes 25% whole cluster inclusion and was aged in 50% new French Oak and 50% used French oak for 16 months.
Tasting Note – A young wine that bursts with energy when first opened. Delicate aromas of forest floor, red cherry, and cinnamon. It is immediately enjoyable and has soft, long, savory tannins that make it attractive with or without food. After breathing for several hours, the earthiness takes a back seat to cherry cola, pomegranate, cranberries, and rhubarb. The fresh fruit glides into the palate with a nice acid backbone, and gentle tannins persist on the palate for some time—13.3% alcohol.