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HomeWine Club SelectionsMarch 2018 Domestic Wine: 2016 Skyfall Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington

March 2018 Domestic Wine: 2016 Skyfall Merlot, Columbia Valley, Washington

Fine Wine Source Wine

March 2018

Skyfall Vineyards:

Skyfall Vineyard was named for massive car-sized boulders scattered among the vines, appearing to have fallen from the sky. These glacial rocks were left in the wake of the ancient Missoula floods that cut the Columbia River. Floods deposited silty loam soil mixed with volcanic ash for soil conditions that create complex, elegant wines. Dave Minick, 3rd generation Washington State grower, oversees all vineyard management for consistent, perfectly ripe grapes across Skyfall vineyard sites. All vineyards receive the same environmentally responsible care with minimalist intervention including a new compost program for naturally enriching soils and use of low impact vehicles in vineyards. Skyfall Vineyard fruit is sourced from Washington’s top AVAs within Columbia Valley including Horse Heaven Hills, Wahluke Slope, and Yakima Valley. Columbia Valley has optimal growing conditions with hot days allowing grapes to ripen and cool nights where acidity develops. This means Skyfall Vineyard wines are well balanced between the crisp acidity, firm tannins, and ripe fruit structure, ready for immediate enjoyment.

About:

From David Minick: “My grandfather would always tell me that ‘great wine starts with finding the ideal vineyard site;’ however, this is a lot easier said than done! I walked a lot of vineyard sites before finding Skyfall’s sites, and the complexity of the soils is ideal for cultivating optimal flavors in the grapes.” The varietals for the 2015 Skyfall Merlot were sourced from 60% Yakima Valley vineyard sites and 40% Horse Heaven Hills vineyard sites. The grapes were picked at the peak of ripeness during the early morning to preserve maximum fruit expression. Once picked the fruit was de-stemmed, crushed and cold soaked for 24-48 hours until optimal color extraction was reached. The wines were put in oak barrels for malolactic fermentation and then aged for 8 months (47% American Oak and 53% French Oak.) The blend was then assembled and allowed to co-mingle for 30 days prior to bottling.

Varietals:

82% Merlot, 10% Syrah, 8% Cabernet Sauvignon

Alcohol:

13.93%

Tasting Notes:

Wonderfully developed plum, vanilla, and leather aromas swirl in the glass. Juicy flavors of cherry candy coupled with hints of cocoa powder weave through the palate. Balanced acidity and polished tannins round out the finish.

Food Pairings:

Merlot wine matches with a wide variety of foods because of its position in the middle of the red wine spectrum. In general Merlot pairs well with chicken and other light meats as well as lightly-spiced dark meats. With medium tannin and not too much acidity you’ll find Merlot pairs well with many foods. Be wary of pairing merlot with fish or leafy vegetables (unless they are prepared in certain ways) and spicy foods, which can overwhelm the nuanced flavors.

Jim Lutfy’s Thoughts:

Big & rich layers of complexity with a long silky smooth finish!! Best served with Lamb or Spare Ribs.