Skinner El Dorado Native Rouge 2022

This El Dorado red blend pays tribute to J. Skinner Native Wines, founded in 1861 by Scottish Gold Rush emigrant James Skinner and among California’s earliest wineries. His descendants revived the family estate in 2007, farming sustainably in the Sierra Foothills.

The blend is built around the estate’s Legacy block of heirloom varieties, including Mission, Petite Bouschet, Trousseau, Carignan and Zinfandel, joined by Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, Counoise, Marsanne and Viognier. It ages ten months in neutral French oak, keeping the focus on fruit and place. Dark berries, pomegranate and black tea lead the way, layered with chicory, tree bark, woodsmoke and an earthy depth.

Lively and food-friendly, it shows beautifully with a light chill alongside grilled meats or charcuterie.