2015 Skinner Vineyards Smithereens Red El Dorado 750 ml

Raising the Winemaking Stakes

Before winemaker Chris Pittenger founded Skinner Vineyards, he’d cut his teeth at the iconic Williams Selyem and Helen Turley’s legendary Marcassin. Skinner Vineyards was named one winery of “Four to Watch” by Wine Spectator. Jon Bonne’s The New California Wine includes Skinner as a “Top Producer” and calls Skinner a “serious and ambitious” winemaker who has “raised the winemaking stakes” in the Sierra Foothills. We are the first to bring this vintage to market at just $19.99 per bottle. With multiple 93+ scores, and before the critics weigh in, this is one to jump on.

Pittenger, is a rising star winemaker who has made wine for Robert Biale Vineyards, Marcassin Winery, Williams Selyem, to name a few, as well as coastal Pinot for his own label, Gros Ventre. For Skinner Vineyards’ unique Smithereens Red El Dorado blend, Pittenger blends choice Grenache, Syrah, Viognier, and Mourvèdre from small plots rooted in the volcanic, sundrenched — yet cool — slopes of the Sierra Foothills at 2,500-3,000 feet in elevation. These are the same varieties that thrive in Southern France (especially the Côtes-du-Rhône).

The current generation of winemaking Skinners only found out they were part of a storied tradition just over a decade ago. Kevin and Kathy Skinner happened upon the small Foothills town of Rescue and heard about Scottish miner James Skinner’s post-Gold Rush distillery and winery, one of California’s first commercial vineyards dating back to 1861. Kevin’s father, Mike, traced back their family tree and discovered they were direct descendants of James. Mike and his wife Carey bought the property in 2006 and planted their own vineyards, expanding the following year. Tasting their Rhône-meets-the-Sierra-Foothills style, we’re glad winemaking runs in the family.