2014 Skipstone Ranch Red Blend Faultline Vineyard Alexander Valley

WSI 94: Our 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 us diverse flavor profiles from each block. While our Oliver’s Blend is about structured Cabernet Sauvignon on rocky hillsides, our 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 our interpretation of a Right-Bank Bordeaux blend. The awesome power and grace of Pommerol and St. Emillion have inspired us to build a cuvée around our oldest plantings of Cabernet Franc and Merlot. In particular, Cabernet Franc is annually the biggest voice in the blend; this gives our wine its incredible texture and complexity. 59% Cabernet Franc, 24% Merlot, 11% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Malbec. 480 cases.