SEAWOLF Wines is a partnership between two winemakers dedicated to natural winemaking and hands-on organic farming. Living life in the vineyard and on the sea has spawned SEAWOLF Wines. Founded by Jesse Hall and Emma Kudritzki Hall in 2014 the winery the winery is located at the top of Anderson Valley in the Yorkville Highlands. At their organic dry farmed Estate vineyard in Yorkville, they grow Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache, Mourvedre, Petite Sirah, Primitivo, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
The winery recently sent me some of their new releases to sample.
2022 SEAWOLF Fennel and Stone Sauvignon Blanc Yorkville Highlands – Straw colored. 12.7% ABV. Aromatic nose of citrus fruit, grass and flowers. Medium body with medium acidity. Crisp, dry and refreshing. Green apple, grapefruit and spice on the palate. The finish is long and spicy. Really easy to drink and sure to be a staple in my house this Spring and Summer. Best over the next several years. $35 at the winery and retail. My rating: 90 points.
2021 SEAWOLF Mendocino County Venturi Vineyard Zinfandel – Bright crimson in color. 14.6% ABV. From a 75 year old vineyard in Mendocino County. Awesome nose of red fruits, licorice and peach. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity and impeccable balance. Layer upon layer of lush, rich fruit. Cherry, raspberry liqueur, blood orange and cocoa on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. One of the better Mendocino Zinfandels for me in recent memory. Best over the next 3-5 years. $56 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
2021 SEAWOLF Estate Yorkville Highlands First Crush Primitivo – Purple in color. 14.6% ABV. Savory nose of black fruits, cocoa and pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. Crisp, fresh and well balanced. Blackberry, boysenberry and earth on the palate. Nice length on the finish. Very appealing and equally approachable. Best over the next 3-5 years. $58 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
2021 SEAWOLF Estate Yorkville Highlands Three Graces Grenache – Ruby red in color. 14.1% ABV. Intriguing nose of red fruits, wet asphalt and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Light, crisp and earthy. Strawberry, kirsch and roasted herbs on the palate. Medium length on the finish. Super Grenache full of finesse and grace. Best over the next 5-7 years. $58 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2020 SEAWOLF North Coast Red Triangle Zinfandel – Crimson in color. 14.7% ABV. Sourced from a single mountaintop vineyard in the Red Hills appellation overlooking Clear Lake. Pretty nose of red fruits, citrus and baking spices. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Perfect balance. Plush and rich on the palate with flavors of cherry, raspberry liqueur and pepper. Exceptional length on the finish. Charming Zinfandel that will drink well for another 3-5 years. $48 at the winery and retail. My rating: 94 points.
SEAWOLF Wines is the first winery on Highway 128 as you enter the Anderson Valley into Mendocino County. The winery is open for tastings by appointment. I look forward to following and visiting the winery in the years to come.