One of the Most Stunning Vineyards in Alexander Valley Is Making Waves With Its Newest Release
It's a momentous day when a winery gets to start making wine from a special vintage available to its mailing list and fans. Today Skipstone releases into the world a new wine, Ripple Effect Cabernet Sauvignon. The winery's ripple effect is becoming more and more pervasive, making wine collectors, journalists, and wine directors/sommeliers have to take notice. It's a great time to familiarize yourself with the incredible work being done by their winemaker Laura Jones, with a helping hand from consulting winemaker Philippe Melka.
Courtesy of Skipstone
Skipstone's relentless pursuit of crafting honest wines from their hillsides in Alexander Valley spans nearly two decades. Both Oliver’s Blend and Sofia’s Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignons have solidified Skipstone as a benchmark producer of Cabernet Sauvignon in the region. Recent acclaim from esteemed publications such as Forbes, Robb Report, and the San Francisco Chronicle serve as a testament to the waves they have made over the years – rippling far beyond the boundaries of the Skipstone estate. This phenomenon, their “Ripple Effect”, has inspired the creation of Skipstone’s Ripple Effect Cabernet Sauvignon, the latest addition to the Skipstone wine portfolio. Making its debut with the 2021 vintage, this Cabernet Sauvignon embodies the quintessential Skipstone characteristics: a distinctly nuanced and balanced wine offering a dense core of fruit that resonates across the senses with a taught, focused freshness.
Courtesy of Skipstone
The 2021 Ripple Effect sashays from the glass with gorgeous aromas of warm cassis, mixed berry crumble, allspice, and aniseed punctuated by notions of violet leaf tea, warm clay, and garrigue. The medium to full-bodied pallet is packed with vibrant layers of ripe red fruits, revealing outstanding energy and verve around a firm tannin frame that finishes seamlessly. This wine drinks well now but will enhance with extended cellar aging. Best enjoyed 2025-2036; 1 hour decant window is recommended if enjoying in 2024. 92% Cabernet Sauvignon + 8% Merlot | 299 cases produced | $175 per bottle.
Continuing the founder Fahri Diner’s family heritage of producing olive oil for generations in their native Cyprus, Skipstone has 7 acres of Manzanillo olives on the estate. Their COOC certified Extra Virgin Olive Oil exceeds the highest standards of olive oil production in the world and they proudly donate 100% of the revenue from olive oil sales to our local volunteer firefighters in Sonoma County. 20 cases produced | $40 retail ($35 membership pre-release pricing)
Courtesy of Skipstone
Interested in living like a vintner? Enter The Residence at Skipstone, a rare find in the heart of Sonoma County wine country. As an exclusive and luxurious way to experience the life of an elite winery owner in the heart of one of the region’s most prestigious appellations, known for its world-class Cabernet Sauvignon and Michelin-level dining. Originally the home of Skipstone proprietor Fahri Diner, the five-bedroom Residence at Skipstone is officially available to rent. Ideally situated on the winery’s sweeping 200-acre Alexander Valley estate and overlooking views of its meticulously farmed hillside vineyards and the grand Mayacamas Mountains, The Residence at Skipstone provides a truly private retreat and a glimpse into this outstanding site’s terroir.
The best way to get access to Skipstone wines & olive oil, or to stay at the Residence is to become a member.
