Skinner Vineyards Mourvedre 2019

Mourvèdre is something of a growing fascination in El Dorado County.  Considered a varietal meant for blending in the United States, it was largely overlooked for decades.  Given our rocky, well-drained soils and warm, dry climate, El Dorado County is an ideal home for Mourvèdre.  Mourvèdre has deep roots in California winegrowing history, as cuttings were brought to California in the 1860’s in what was known as the Pellier Collection.  These cuttings found their way to various foundational wineries post-Gold Rush, which (lucky for us!) included our founder James Skinner.  Mourvèdre makes up about 20% of our estate plantings (the two vineyards known as Stoney Creek in Fair Play, and Green Valley in Rescue), and each year we select the most expressive barrels from these lots for this reserve Estate offering.