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The Folks at Seebass Vineyards have been growing grapes on their estate, in the Ukiah Valley, east of the Russian River against the benchlands of the Mayacama Mountains for 30 years. Much of that fruit is sold to Clos du Bois, Kendall Jackson, Hess Collection, Paul Dolan, Graziano Family of Wines and other fine wineries in the area. But a select amount goes into producing Seebass wines, which only totals about 1,200 cases per year. Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a handful of their current offerings:
Seebass 2012 Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of fresh apples, pears, and lime zest greets the senses. With a sip, flavors of golden apple, sweet lime, and ripe pear emerge with accents of buttery oak, limestone, and nutty suggestions. A creamy Chardonnay that’s framed by a mineral backbone, fans of rich, mouthfilling whites will enjoy this wine. 240 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Seebass 2011 Grand Reserve Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of apple and pear mingle with hints of creamy oak and sweet spice. Flavors of tart apple and baked pear come together with suggestions of citrus zest, butter, and minerals on that palate. Fairly round but balanced by a welcoming acidity, enjoy a bottle with white fish in a creamy sauce. 189 cases were made.
Rating: 90
Seebass 2012 Chardonnay
Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of tropical fruit, peach, and grapefruit rise up from a glass. Tart pineapple, white peach, and ruby red grapefruit flavors meld with nuances of cream on the palate. A lively wine with bright fruit flavors, if you’re over creamy and buttery, this is a Chardonnay to try. 270 cases produced.
Rating: 87
Seebass 2011 Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 45-50
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of blackberries, blueberries, and plums meld with notes of pepper and cocoa on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and blueberry that interweave with suggestions of sweet spice, pepper, and baker’s chocolate. Dark and fairly robust with supple tannins, fans of heartier Syrah, that’s not too fruit driven, will enjoy this bottle. 230 were made.
Rating: 89
Seebass 2013 “Fantasie” Rosé
Grape(s): 100% Grenche
Region: Mendocino County
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and watermelon rise up from a glass. Ripe, sweet red fruit emerges on the palate, accented by hints of minerals on the palate. A lush, approachable wine with a friendly acidity, it will pair nicely with a seafood salad or a sunny afternoon. 160 cases produced.
Rating: 89
