2017 Sebastiani Gravel Bed Red, Sonoma County
Winemaker Notes
Our 2017 Gravel Bed Red is a harmonious
expression of the gravely vineyard sites
from a warmer vintage. Deep ruby in the
glass, this wine opens with aromas of
plum, cedar and vanilla. The palate offers
great depth and richness, with flavors of
dark berries, mocha, peppery spice and
tealeaves. The finish is long and smooth
with well-balanced acidity and tannins.
Enjoy in its youth or age for 2-4 years to
allow for greater complexity.
-David Nakaji, Winemaker
Composition
89% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Specs
Vintage
2017
Varietal
Red Blends
Appellation
Sonoma County
Harvest Date
September 21 to October 21, 2017
Acid
7.0 g/L
pH
3.47
Aging
18 months in 20% new French oak
Bottling Date
July 2019
Alcohol %
14.90
Production Notes
We cold soaked many of the lots to
increase color and flavor extraction. All of
the grapes were fermented warm and only a
small portion of press wine was included
for aromatics and structure. After
fermentation, all of the individual lots were
racked off the lees and put into a
combination of French and Hungarian oak
barrels. After aging for 18 months, the wine
was bottled in July 2019.
Vineyard Notes
The 2017 growing season started off
with record setting rainfalls, delaying
bud break from years past. Spring
and summer experienced a mixture of
foggy, warm and windy conditions.
The summer months were moderately
warm allowing the grapes to mature
at an ideal pace. Extreme heat spikes
at the end of August to early
September pushed harvest ahead of
schedule. The fruit for this wine entered
the winery from September 21 to October
21, 2017.