Reviews: The Rhone Report
Jeb Dennuck, Formerly of The Rhone Report, Currently reviewing for The Wine Advocate
2010 Skinner Viognier Stoney Creek Vineyards
The 2010 Skinner Viognier Stoney Creek Vineyards is 100% Viognier that was aged for 11 months in neutral French oak. It displays a classical, ripe Viognier profile with loads of peach, white flowers, mineral, and hints of honey blossom like qualities giving way to a medium-bodied, rich, fleshy palate feel. There’s excellent depth and richness here, yet it stays beautifully fresh, clean, and overall elegant, with crisp acids and a dry, clean finish. It will drink well for 2-3 years. 90 Points
2008 Skinner Syrah Stoney Creek Vineyards
From the estate’s Stoney Creek Vineyard that lies at an altitude of close to 2,800 feet, The 2008 Skinner Syrah Stoney Creek Vineyards is more complex and perfumed than the straight Syrah and exhibits copious amounts of blackberry, crushed flowers, spice, graphite, and edgy minerality on the nose. Outstanding on the palate as well, the wine is medium to full-bodied and well balanced, possessing a beautifully polished texture, good acidity, and plenty of length on the finish. Overall, very well put together and it marries richness with elegance. Drink bottles over the coming 10-12 years. 91 Points
2008 Skinner Vineyards Grenache
The 2008 Skinner Vineyards Grenache is a dead ringer for a quality new world Pinot Noir and exhibits copious aromatics of kirsch, spiced strawberries and wild, underbrush like notes. These lead into a silky, hedonistic wine that has gobs of sweet fruit, a light, balanced texture, notable acidity and a long finish. I can’t find a reason to hold these and they should deliver plenty of pleasure over the next 3 to 5 years. 91 Points
2007 Skinner Vineyards Seven Generations White
A blend of 46% Roussanne, 29% Marsanne, and 25% Viognier sourced from three high-elevation vineyards in El Dorado, the 2007 Skinner Vineyards Seven Generations White is a full flavored white that carries buttered peaches, stone fruits, honeysuckle and subtle floral aromatics into a solidly built, medium to full bodied palate. The wine has a rich, slightly oily texture, fantastic balance and a clean, long finish. Straight up delicious and this should drink beautifully over the next 3 to 5 years. 225 cases. 90 Points
2007 Skinner Vineyards Stoney Creek Vineyards Syrah
An impressive, structured wine, the 2007 Skinner Vineyards Syrah is 100% Syrah that spent 21 months in French oak. It possesses pure, clean aromatics of cassis and blackberry fruit, lead pencil, spiced meat, and solid underlying minerality and chalk notes. Classy oak is present for sure, but the wine has solid underlying fruit. The palate is medium to full bodied with rich, deep fruit, a firm edgy texture, masses a ripe tannin and a long finish. 92 Points