Smithereens Red Blend

Skinner Winery history dates back well into the 1800s. In 2006 Carey & Mike Skinner established Skinner Vineyards after discovering that Mike was the great-great-great-grandson of James Skinner, a Scottish miner who in 1861 established one of the Sierra Foothills' first wineries. James Skinner hit it big during the gold rush in the Sierra Foothills and decided to use his gold money to establish on of the first wineries in the region, J. Skinner Native Wine & Brandy which was functional up until the 20th century. Since then the Skinner family have reclaimed the site as a historical part of their winery. The Smithereens wine series past tribute to the Gold Rush miners who used to blast out gold deposits with dynamite. Chris Pittenger is their winemaker and is an integral part of the winery. The family’s wine vision is to produce great wines that are expressive of place with zero harm the environment in the process. Some examples of their environmental conscious practices - drought resistant plants and shrubs to minimize water needs, the use of solar power for the winery, recycling water for the winery, use of reclaimed materials to build the winery and so on.

Smithereens Red Blend 2016 is a blend of 51% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre, 12% Syrah, 5% Counoise, 1% Petite Sirah The grapes are organically farmed. The grapes are aged for 21 months in 95% Seasoned French Oak and 5% New French Oak.

This wine is a beautiful ruby color. Aromas of ripe cherry, plum, blueberry jam, warm baking spices (cloves, nutmeg), vanilla, tobacco and sage. The palate is full bodied with smooth tannins and good acidity. Flavors of blueberry, cherry, red plum, green bean, pepper, mint, vanilla, savory meat, tobacco, cloves, nutmeg and sage. Well balanced Rhône style blend.

Pair with Mediterranean spices including red pepper, sage, rosemary, and olives, grilled sirloin steak, roast prime rib, braised chicken.