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2008 Sebastiani & Merlotproduct-timed-pdf - Sonoma County - “Very Good” –WS, WE | Bordeaux Style

Why We're Drinking It

Beyond their history, value, and the fact that the winery is practically next door to invino’s Sonoma headquarters, Sebastiani captured our attention with its consistency: These are almost always topping our “Top 10 Under $11” list, restoring ’s good name one after another. And this soft, mellow bottling is no exception, perfect with eggplant Parmesan, classic jazz, and a coffee table of friends.

Four reasons we love it:

• Historic Producer. Sebastiani has deep roots in Sonoma County. In fact, it was the only winery in the area that continued operations through Prohibition, making a small amount of sacramental and medicinal wines. Now that’s dedication!

• Experienced Winemaker. Winemaker Mark Lyon has been crafting these wines for more than 30 years, and he’s known as the mastermind of quality behind the Sebastiani label.

• Right Bank Meets California. This shines with black cherry, plum, and mocha notes, combining powerful aromatics with gentle richness that makes it a stellar food wine.

• Critical Acclaim. Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast both awarded this wine “Very Good” scores, commenting on its ready-to-drink-now appeal. And when that comes at less than the price of a movie ticket, we’re all in!

Tasting Notes

VARIETAL Winemaker’s notes: Aromatically speaking, our 2008 combines black Merlot cherries, black tea, vanilla, mocha, and plums. The palate is rich, soft, and APPELLATION approachable with layers of dried herbs, ripe fruit, and vanilla. Balanced, Sonoma County elegant, and delicious, this is exactly what we look for in Sonoma County ALCOHOL Merlot. 13.50 SIZE 750ml BLEND Merlot

The Story to Know

Sebastiani’s first century in Sonoma began when Samuele emigrated from the Tuscany region of Italy in 1895 and started Sebastiani nine years later. A stonemason by trade, he quarry-mined the Sonoma hills for cobblestones that were used to build the streets of San Francisco. He worked long hours and saved carefully to buy land in Sonoma County, from which he would make wine for the Sonoma community and San Francisco’s restaurants.

Samuele believed in hard work and asked the same of everyone at the winery. At the same time, he was a strong supporter of the land and the people of Sonoma. When the combination of Prohibition and the Depression hit hard, Samuele initiated major projects at the winery to create employment for his neighbors. When there wasn’t sufficient work at the winery, he built around the plaza and constructed a skating rink, motel, theater and meeting hall at the Catholic Church. To keep people employed at the winery, Samuele began canning peaches, pears and nectarines.

Shortly after Samuele’s death in 1944, his son, August, and August’s wife Sylvia purchased the winery from the estate and began the expansion of the facilities and the product line, adding new wines and proprietary blends. When August died in 1980, Sylvia and their children, Sam, Don and Mary Ann, assumed management of the company. Sam stayed until 1986, when he left Sebastiani to start his own winery, south of the city of Sonoma.

With the decision made to refocus on quality and the flagship Sebastiani brand, the family sold the Turner Road Vintners brands and winemaking facilities in March 2001 to Constellation Brands (formerly Canandaigua). When that sale was completed, Don Sebastiani left to devote full attention to Cecchetti Sebastiani Cellars (now Don Sebastiani & Sons), which he started with brother-in-law Roy Cecchetti in 1985. Mary Ann Sebastiani Cuneo, formerly senior vice president of hospitality and manager of the company’s real estate holdings – which include 700 acres, 225 of them planted -- assumed the role of president and CEO and helped lead the company through its transition into one of Sonoma County’s premier quality wine producers. She spearheaded the multi-million dollar remodel of the Sebastiani tasting room and hospitality center completed in 2001, offering unique cultural and historic programs for visitors. In addition, the production facility underwent major renovation with an emphasis on small-lot artisan winemaking.

Today, Sebastiani Vineyards & Winery advances its record of acclaim under the guidance of vintner and entrepreneur Bill Foley, who acquired the winery in 2008. As part of Foley Family Wines, Sebastiani will maintain its commitment to producing singular wines from the appellations of Sonoma County.

Learn about Sebastiani’s sustainable farming efforts here.

Perfect Pairings

Enjoy this wine alongside a wide array of dishes, including pasta primavera, salami, grilled steak, and herb-crusted lamb chops.

Ratings

91 Insider Points

“Very Good” – Wine Spectator “Very Good” – Wine Enthusiast

Reviews

Once again we return to our neighbors and friends at Sebastiani for a clear example of what good, domestic Merlot should be. This bottle is both enjoyable and respectable, highlighting the lush and supple fruit of Merlot with the rich and pure texture the grape deserves. The nose is filled with bing cherry and fresh red fruit with accessory notes of tobacco leaf and baking spice. The palate is loaded with red fruits, accentuating a notable acidity and firm structure, backed by cranberry and wet earth. This wine has aged very well and I recommend opening in the next couple years. - DZ

“Modest in scale yet appealing for notes of cherry, tomato leaf and mocha. Drink now through 2016.” – Tim Fish, Wine Spectator

“This is soft and gentle, with easy berry, herb, cola and sandalwood flavors. Drink now, as this is about as good as it will ever be.” – Steve Heimoff, Wine Enthusiast