April 19, 2024 - From magnum, no formal notes but consistent with my experience from back in October of 2021 (if you want more detail). To my palate, the 2018 Caravina is pretty locked up (large format or not) which I gotta say, that’s pretty consistent with my feeling about a lot of Cabernet from the 2018 vintage in Napa/Sonoma right now. I would place this squarely into the “youthful” category and for those that love wines that are primary and full of bright, vigorous fruit, this is for you. To my palate however, this is a vintage I can’t wait to drink after the intensity chills out and it takes on some secondary characteristics. Best after 2028 and through 2048.
December 27, 2023 - Dark cherry jumps out of the glass. Both lively and intense.
December 16, 2023 - Intense and young. Good with air, but better kept for 5+ years.
November 8, 2023 - Drank over several nights this is still a bit young, with plenty of life left. It's on the big and rustic side, a really nice Cab and at around $70 a good deal for quality Napa Cab. Leather, tobacco, licorice, black cherry. This will improve a point or two with some more age.
August 12, 2023 - This bottle was purchased at $109
April 30, 2023 - Slightly bitter in taste compared to other Caravinas that we have tasted.
October 22, 2021 - Opened seven hours prior, decanted and then returned to the bottle before service. No formal notes due to the setting. The 2018 Seavey Caravina makes you work for it...but everything is there. At this stage, the wine is somewhat reticent but shows Bordeaux-like characteristics with it's relatively restrained red and dark fruits, light tobacco and hint of graphite and baking spice. A very lovely wine that will require some patience in order to fully appreciate. Tasted alongside the 2018 Rafanelli Cabernet Sauvignon and most preferred the Rafanelli but the quality of the Caravina was undeniable. The future is bright for this one.