2012 Founders' Reserve
RATINGS
Antonio Galloni, Vinous (Dec. 2014) - 94 points
"The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon William and Mary Founders' Reserve is a special two barrel lot. Dark and explosive in the glass, the Reserve is bursting at the seams with intensity and nuance. Graphite, smoke, licorice, tobacco and savory herbs are laced in the structured finish. Although production is tiny, there is little doubt the Reserve is quite different in style than the straight Cabernet Sauvignon. Perhaps most importantly, readers who can find the Reserve should be prepared to cellar it for at least a handful of years."
Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate (Oct. 2014) - 94+ points
The 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon William and Mary Founder’s Reserve (100% Cabernet Sauvignon) comes from the oldest dry-farmed vines on the property. Dense as well as elegant with sweet tannin, it is a collector’s item since it has never been made before. There are only 50 cases of this beauty, but I don’t really see the point of culling out two barrels to produce this wine. Drink 2016-2032+.
VINEYARD NOTES
The 2012 Founders’ Reserve was made from four specific acres of hillside terraced blocks overlooking beautiful Lake Hennessey. These special dry-farmed terraces contain the oldest vines on the property, dating back to the early 1980s--truly the matriach vines of Seavey. Winemaker Jim Duane describes these vines this way: "Old and knarly. And every year a few die. But every year, these vines produce! --not a lot of fruit, but fruit with tremendous character."
PRODUCTION NOTES
Crafted with whole-berry fermentation and some whole cluster fermentation, this 50-case lot has been distinctive from the beginning, showing notable layers of flavor, robust yet elegant tannins, and deep, complex concentration. This profoundly rewarding wine – held back for aging for over three and a half years – is at once broad, expansive and layered.
100% ESTATE GROWN, PRODUCED & BOTTLED, NAPA VALLEY AVA