2021 Skipstone 'Ripple Effect' Cabernet Sauvignon

Aromas of black cherry, red currant, and violet integrate with savory notes of cedar and crushed rock. The palate is medium to full-bodied and exceptionally approachable, featuring a core of juicy dark fruit and a supple texture. It displays polished tannins and a bright acidity that leads to a clean, vibrant finish marked by a touch of baking spice.

Winemaker Laura Jones, with the Atelier Melka team, utilizes Cabernet Sauvignon supplemented with small amounts of Merlot and Cabernet Franc. The fruit is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve primary fruit energy and aromatic freshness. The wine matures in French oak barrels (approximately 50% new) for eighteen months, a regimen designed to provide structural support while ensuring the wine remains open and expressive in its youth.

The fruit is grown in the Alexander Valley at the Skipstone Estate, sourced from vineyard blocks that possess a more generous, fruit-forward character. The site is defined by its volcanic soils and hillside orientation, which provides excellent drainage. These vines benefit from the same high-elevation sunlight as the flagship bottlings but are selected for their ability to produce a wine with softer contours and immediate coastal-influenced freshness.