Skipstone Ranch is tucked between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above Alexander Valley. Uncompromising in their standards of sustainability and their treatment of the land, Skipstone is committed to nurturing the precious resource that is their 200-acre estate. Blessed by nature, they listen intently to the terroir of their vineyards, and in turn, their wines speak eloquently of their origin.
The Slipstone Vineyard encompasses 30 organically-farmed acres forming an amphitheater surrounded by steep mountain slopes. Upon discovery of the site, an ambitious redevelopment of the vineyard was undertaken and new viticultural practices were implemented.
Famed winemaker Philippe Melka was the one key element that brought this dream together. Philippe spent much of his early life in Bordeaux, receiving his geology degree in 1989 from the University of Bordeaux. In his final year of study, he took a wine course out of sheer curiosity, and from that moment on realized his passion and future lay with wine. Just recently Philippe was named as one of the Top 9 Winemakers in the World by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate.
In 2003, the owners of Skipstone recruited highly-regarded organic farming consultant Amigo Bob Cantisano to help develop standards specifically tailored to the diverse geography and terroir of Skipstone. A specialist in organic farming since 1972, Amigo Bob has worked closely with many of Napa and Sonoma’s most prestigious vineyards and wineries. Today, Skipstone is a thriving organic and sustainable estate, uncompromising in its farming standards and its stewardship of the land. In return, its vineyards and orchards yield nature’s finest quality fruit.
CAPITOL CELLARS IS PROUD TO BE ONE OF THE FEW CALIFORNIA RETAILERS
TO REPRESENT THESE FANTASTIC WINES!
2014 “Oliver's Blend” Alexander Valley...The 2014 Oliver’s Blend is the tenth vintage released from Skipstone. Consistent with Skipstone’s approach for the past decade, the Oliver’s Blend is assembled by first blending up to 20 small lots of Cabernet Sauvignon from their rocky hillside vineyard blocks – each contributing its unique profile developed throughout the vintage from the varied soils, exposures, and clonal selections. In 2014, the Cabernet Sauvignon was the complete package – offering exceptional richness and power, balanced by minerality and nerve – requiring only a 2% splash of Merlot to round out the pallet. Powerful and intense with dark tonalities of fruit, mocha, bittersweet chocolate.
REG. $125…Special Pricing $109.95
2014 “Faultline Vineyard” Alexander Valley...Skipstone estate lies directly atop the Mayacamas Faultline, which means earthquakes on occasion. The blessing, however, is an incredible upheaval of land and thus a myriad of soil types that in turn give diverse flavor profiles from each block. While the Oliver’s Blend is about structured Cabernet Sauvignon on rocky hillsides, the Faultline Vineyard is sourced from the loamy, sandy clay in the basin of Skipstone. The ultimate wine has an incredible texture and a harmony of flavors. Faultline Vineyard is an interpretation of a Right-Bank Bordeaux blend. The awesome power and grace of Pommerol and St. Emillion have inspired them to build a cuvée around their oldest plantings of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In particular, Cabernet Franc is annually the biggest voice in the blend; this gives this wine its incredible texture and complexity.
REG. $125…Special Pricing $109.95
2015 Alexander Valley Viognier...Five rows of Viognier span the northern peaks of Skipstone’s amphitheater shaped vineyard. Situated on steep mountain terraces, the thin rocky soils force the vines to struggle which in turn brings out intensity and complexity in the fruit. Steady sun exposure during the day followed by afternoon shade blesses this vineyard with the ability to achieve both ripeness and long hang time. This in turn adds depth and complexity to the fruit. To balance the weight and intensity of this voluptuous grape, they limit the exposure to oak and avoid malolactic fermentation. Thus the final wine is full but bright and absolutely delicious. One of my favorite white wines for the summer!! FEWER THAN 100 CASES PRODUCED.
REG. $60…Special Pricing $49.95
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