Reviews & Ratings

2005 Sebastiani Red Blends or Varietals "Secolo"

Winery: Sebastiani

Vintage: 2005

Wine Name/Vineyard: "Secolo"

Wine Category: Red Blends or Varietals

Grape blend: 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot, 4% Petite Verdot, & 3% Malbec

Bottle size: 750 ml

Region: Sonoma County

State or country: CA

Price: $35

Cases produced: 4,000

KWG Score: 87.2 (based on 4 reviews)

Ken's Wine Rating: Very Good (89.99-87)

Review date: November 28, 2008

Wine Review: This red blend has been a favorite of ours for many vintages. I had a chance to taste this years vintage over dinner at the recent Wine Bloggers Conference in Sonoma. It is a very dark purple color and it opens with a spicy blueberry like bouquet. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied and balanced with spicy blueberry flavors and some noted acidity. The finish is dry and its moderate tannins linger slightly. This is a wine that would go best with food and I would suggest pairing it with prime rib. Enjoy - Ken

Winemaker Notes: With a saturated, ruby color the 2005 Secolo is all about aromatics, finesse and elegance. It has a pebbly, minerality notes with shades of blackberry, dried herbs, mocha, showcasing it’s cooler vintage attributes. Although not as “big” as the 2004, it still packed a lot of black cherry, currant fruits with complex sandalwood, and leafiness. It finishes with mild tannins that remind you that aging will reward, yet is unusually caressing at this stage. This wine’s sexiness is its balance and aromatics, uncommon in California Red Meritage wines, which should make a convert out of any die hard, Red Bordeaux fans.

Buy it: Use 1000 Corks to find stores that sell Sebastiani 2005 Secolo.