2016 Skipstone Preface Proprietary Red Alexander Valley, USA
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S$13899
Vintage : 2016
Country : USA
Region : Alexander Valley
Varietal : Red Wine
About Winery
Skipstone is tucked between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above Alexander Valley. We aspire to perfection in every aspect of our wine growing and estate farming, drawing inspiration from the unparalleled potential and promise of the earth. Uncompromising in our standards of sustainability and treatment of the land, we are committed to nurturing the precious resource that is our 200 acre estate. Blessed by nature, we listen intently to the terroir of our vineyards, and in turn, our wines speak eloquently of their origin.
The Story:
Preface is a new Skipstone wine made by Philippe Melka. The grapes are sourced from hillside vineyards on the Mayacamas range, located in the southeast portion of the Alexander Valley. Farmed sustainably and certified organic, grapes were all handfarmed, hand-harvested at night to preserve the freshness and integrity of the grapes.
One of the aspects of California wine country that continues to charm us year after year is just how many hidden vineyard sites there are, each one more captivating than the next, and marvelous ones seemingly around every corner.
Preface is a new, Merlot-dominated Bordeaux-blend (about 70%) rounded out by small additions of both Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and aromatic expression. Organically grown on a single hillside estate on the Mayacamas range, in the southeast portion of the Alexander Valley, our friend Philippe Melka is the winemaking magician behind this beautifully crafted red wine. Philippe and his team hand-picked these grapes during the night, maintaining optimal freshness. They sorted each grape, first by hand, and then again using an optical sorter (aka the most advanced winemaking gizmo I have ever seen). Philippe determined that an 18-month élévage in French oak barrels (65% new) would best suit this wine, and we agree. Preface has a plummy, plush Merlot core, with a gorgeous note of espresso and baking chocolate providing a bass line to the tune. It is an easy wine to love, and another reminder of the wonders hiding in plain sight here in wine country.
