2015 Skipstone Oliver's Blend
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Tasting notes
A more Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated blend that includes 16% Cabernet Franc and 2% Merlot, the 2015 Oliver's Blend is cut from the same cloth and offers a slightly more focused, classic textural style as well as terrific notes of smoked blackcurrants, graphite, tobacco leaf, and chocolate. It's a rich, powerful, concentrated wine that will be better with a year or two of cellaring and keep for two decades. These Bordeaux blends from Alexander Valley are made by superstar consultant Philippe Melka.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliver's Blend is powerful, dense and explosive. Graphite, game, smoke and licorice abound in this rich, deep Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. A dollop of Cabernet Franc in the blend adds aromatic lift and redder tonalities of fruit that develop with time in the glass.
The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Oliver's Blend is very deep garnet-purple colored with an earthy, meaty, gamey, savory nose with aromas of crème de cassis and plum preserves with sautéed herbs, earth, damp soil and truffles notes. Medium to full-bodied with firm, grainy tannins, it has good concentration and depth, finishing long and earthy. 698 cases produced.
Crème de cassis, blueberry jam, menthol, licorice, spices and sweet French oak are all pushed forward in the 2015 Oliver's Blend. At this early stage, the 2015 tastes like a wine just drained from tank! Opulent and intense in all of its dimensions, the 2015 is shaping up very nicely.