Skinner Vineyards El Dorado 'Native Red' 2019

Mike and Carey Skinner and their family carry on the legacy of Mike’s ancestor, 19th-century gold prospector-turned-winemaker James Skinner, with their quintessentially Californian wines. Mike and Carey’s vineyards grow very close to James Skinner’s original property in El Dorado County, and they founded their estate with mission grapevines that are now over 120 years old. The list of varieties used in their ‘Native Red’ recreates the list of grapes on James Skinner’s probate record of 1861: mission, trousseau, petite bouchet, and carignan. At the same time that the Skinners honor Californian history, their enterprise also looks to the future: all of their estate vineyards are organically farmed, while their winery building is built from 80% recycled steel and powered with solar energy. This blend ferments spontaneously and ages in used barrels. A beautiful magenta in the glass and delightfully fresh on the palate, this light red would be perfect slightly chilled. Hibiscus, pomegranate, and a hint of palo santo lead to cherry and cranberry on the palate, without any jarring tartness. Sustainably grown.