2016 Skipstone Red Faultline Vineyard

The Cabernet Franc-dominated 2016 Faultline Vineyard (there’s 40% Merlot) is brilliant. It comes all from the estate vineyard in Alexander Valley and was brought up in 65% new French oak. Reminding me of a top vintage of Figeac with its blackcurrants, tobacco, earth, and graphite aromas and flavors, it’s full-bodied, concentrated, and powerful on the palate, yet has remarkable purity and finesse. It shows more classic forest floor and chocolate notes with time in the glass, has ripe tannins, and great intensity and length. Drink it over the coming two decades.

A blend of 59% Cabernet Franc and 41% Merlot aged for 18 months in 65% new French oak, the 2016 Faultline Vineyard Proprietary Red is deep purple-black colored and features a nose of kirsch, red currant jelly, black raspberries and preserved plums with touches of pencil shavings, tobacco leaf and damp soil. The palate is medium to full-bodied, firm and grainy with muscular fruit and a long, mineral-laced finish. 490 cases produced.

The 2016 Faultline Vineyard is shaping up to be a fabulous follow up to the 2015. Dark, explosive and totally alluring, the 2016 has a lot to offer. Crème de cassis, lavender, menthol, licorice, torrefaction and spice are given an extra kick of energy from the wine's structure and aromatic intensity. There is so much to look forward to.