2011 Skipstone Oliver's Blend
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The 2011 Oliver's Blend is drop-dead gorgeous. Smoke, tobacco, incense, licorice, ash and graphite literally explode from the glass. A powerful, structured wine, the 2011 boasts stunning depth and pure power. The aromas and flavors are incredibly vivid as the wine continues to open up. Smoke, licorice and savory herbs complement the dark fruit nicely in this distinctive, beautifully crafted Sonoma red.
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Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Skipstone's 2011 Oliver's Blend shows plenty of the energy and tension typical of Alexander Valley Cabernets. Iron, smoke and graphite provide the backbone for an expressive core of dark red fruit. Overall, the 2011 has a bit less density than the 2010 because of the vintage, but there is plenty of Alexander Valley minerality. The blend relies a little less heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and more on Merlot (15%) than has typically been the case.
Skipstone’s 2011 Oliver’s Blend shows plenty of the energy and tension typical of Alexander Valley Cabernets. Iron, smoke and graphite provide the backbone for an expressive core of dark red fruit. Overall, the 2011 has a bit less density than the 2010 because of the vintage, but there is plenty of Alexander Valley minerality. The blend relies a little less heavily on Cabernet Sauvignon (85%) and more on Merlot (15%) than has typically been the case. Anticipated maturity: 2016-2018. Proprietor Fahri Diner is obsessed with quality, and it shows in these two gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon-based reds. Ulises Valdez planted the site beginning in 1992 and continues to oversee all work in the vineyards, while consulting oenologist Philippe Melka makes the wines. Diner is one of the few owners I know of who has lowered pricing for his 2011, something that is refreshing to see. Tel. (707) 433-9124; info@skipstoneranch.com