Seka Hills

The ancestoral people of Capay Valley were the Yocha DeHe Wintun Nation. Centuries later, well after the establishment of AVA, a wine to honor the tribal history has been created by winemaker Blake Kuhn with estate fruit from the Brooks region of Capay Valley.

Indeed reserve, at just 45 cases in 2010; 74% Cabernet Franc, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon (largely clone 169), 4% Petit Verdot and 1% Petite Sirah, aged in 100% new French oak. Amazing depth of color has been achieved in the blend, Petit Verdot and Petite Sirah being strong contributors showing blending trends are finding adoption here as well as elsewhere in California.

Tribal Reserve portends outstanding vintages will be coming from Seka Hills. A wonderfully clean nose smacking of pure Cabernet aromas, influenced by the amount of Cabernet Franc, lead the way to cherry and coffee. As a 2010 the tannin remains firm but exhibits fine grain and still aging. They are more reserved than those found in the mountain region of Capay Valley. Refined flavors of boysenberries and black currant are supported nicely by the acidity, keeping things well balanced..

This is a wine for food and will evolve in bottle with age. It has more European nuance than California, forgoing the 'fruit bomb' handle regions of great sunshine can impart. Wanting to know what a great steak and Tribal Reserve will pair like in 2015.

Reviewed August 15, 2012 by Roger King.