90+ Point Wines

94 Points | Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "Elegant and silky, this medium-bodied wine is carried by aromas of cinnamon and dried currant. The palate brings tones of mineral, plum and black tea, with a lightly tannic texture and a good dose of acidity. The wine has a distinct personality and showcases the high-elevation El Dorado appellation's suitability for Rhône varieties." Reviewed by Jim Gordon

92 Points Wine&Spirits Magazine | "Skinner sources fruit from vines at a wide range of altitudes, from 1,300 to 3,000 feet, focusing mostly on grapes from Fenaughty and Sumu Kaw. This wine comes across as light and brisk, with a texture that’s just generous enough to mellow the cool spiciness and floral strawberry flavors. Fresh and pretty, it’s a lovely match for chicken liver mousse or most anything on a charcuterie plate." Wine&Spirits Magazine

92 Points Wine&Spirits Magazine | "This grows at Skinner’s Stoney Creek estate in Fair Play, where the petite sirah ranges from ten to 20 years old. It accounts for 86 percent of the blend, augmented with small amounts of counoise, syrah, viognier, grenache and mourvedre. Those other grapes may help to leaven petite’s tannins, which have mellowed over the course of two years in French oak (55 percent new) and a year in bottle. What’s left are scents of rocks and flowers, along with the chewy grape-skin tannins of petite. The wine is as black as you might expect; it’s also crunchy, and the floral notes keep coming on the finish. This should develop well with six to eight more years in bottle"

91 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine | "This will be an outstanding dinner wine when a roast or steak is on the menu. It has a good, gripping texture and firm acidity that will stand up well to fatty dishes. A nice core of blackberry and black-cherry flavors is surrounded by hints of clove and cinnamon." Reviewed by Jim Gordon

90 Points Wine Enthusiast Magazine | "This full-bodied wine has a high ripeness factor and also a solid structure of fruit acidity and moderate tannins to nicely support the jammy raspberry and blackberry flavors that are so tempting." Reviewed by Jim Gordon

Syrah is a versatile varietal and has the ability to produce great wines in various climates and regions. Styles and profiles vary as you move from the cooler coastal sites towards the warmer interior vineyards. The Foothills based Syrahs are distinctive to the specific region in which they grow. Amador Syrah is typically bigger and rounder than the Fair Play (El Dorado) Syrah grown just up the hill, which tends to be more restrained and rustic in nature while showing pronounced minerality.