Skipstone 2023 “Preface” Bordeaux Blend Estate Alexander Valley 96+ Points

FMW 96+ Points: “An outstanding wine (a blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc, 10% Malbec). The 2023 Skipstone Preface Bordeaux Blend showcases gorgeous aromatics and equally amazing flavors on the palate.  The wine showcases a very intense dark purple hue, and pleasant aromas of black stone fruit, lavender, and a touch of vanilla.  On the palate, this full-bodied youngster offers up more black stone fruit, plums, and chocolate notes, and a hint of spice and vanilla. The wine is well-balanced with a great sense of elegance.  The finish is long and complex with silky tannins.  This is a very well-made wine by Laura Jones and Phillipe Melka.”

Tasting Notes: “A wine of outstanding density and freshness, the 2023 Preface opens with attractive aromas of raspberry reduction, ripe mulberry, and red cherry, accented with alluring notes of pine resin, strawberry pie, cinnamon stick, and aniseed. Youthful yet
approachable, the luxurious entry coats the palate with textured layers of red fruits accented by exotic spices. The long finish is succulent, seamless, and braced by well-integrated fine tannin. Enjoy today with a brief decant. “

Winemaker Laura Jones: “The 2023 vintage was extraordinary. The exceptionally long and cool growing season provided near-perfect conditions in the vineyard for uniform ripening, complex flavor development, and impeccable tannin ripeness. The wines of this spectacular vintage will be known for their purity of fruit, depth of flavor, and refined, silky structure. With remarkable balance, freshness, and age-worthy potential, the 2023 vintage is poised to be one of the region’s most celebrated this century. ”