Winemaker Notes

In 1998, we bottled without label as an experimental "house wine" several barrels of red wine not included in the main blend, and we and other family members and friends have drunk it at table when looking for a more approachable wine. Based on the good reception this wine has had, we have decided to make approximately 150 cases of the 1999 vintage, label it "Caravina, " and offer it to a broader group. The name "Caravina", of Latin root, means to us "dear vine," a tribute to the individual vine, the basic element of our precious vineyard. Caravina does not have a varietal designation for it is a potential blend of any and all of our estate grown red grapes not used in our Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot main blends. We are convinced that Caravina will be a delightful addition to our own table, and are pleased to offer it to our customers and friends.
Seavey Vineyard

Seavey Vineyard

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Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.

Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.

EPCSEYCAA_1999 Item# 59833