2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

with No Comment $30 and underKevin VogtProprietary WhiteUSA

Clementine

by Cold Spring
Vin Blanc 2023
El Dorado, California

2023 Clementine by Cold Spring Vin Blanc El Dorado California

With crystalline focus and aromatic depth, the 2023 Clementine Vin Blanc redefines the possibilities for Rhône-inspired whites grown in California’s high-altitude terrain. Perched in the Sierra Nevada foothills at elevations where the Pacific’s cooling influence meets summer warmth, the vineyards yield grapes of dazzling clarity and depth.

With a soul rooted in the Rhône Valley and a voice unmistakably Californian, this wine captures the rare harmony between sun-drenched fruit and alpine lift. Harvested at the apex of ripeness, the 2023 vintage pulses with natural energy. Winemaker Adam Smith employs whole-cluster pressing and wild yeast fermentation, allowing the vineyard’s voice to speak with purity and intention.

During our tasting, which featured White Burgundies and other Californian whites—some costing twice or even three times as much—Clementine emerged as the unexpected star. Its brilliance lies in its balance: a wine that stirs both intellect and emotion. For those seeking something simultaneously soulful and electric, this bottle sets a new standard—a beautifully kept secret worth discovering.

Clementine
by Cold Spring
Vin Blanc 2023
El Dorado, California

Your Price: $25

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“The Clementine 2023 Vin Blanc is perfumed with aromas of white blossoms, chamomile, honeycomb, buttercream frosted peach Danish pastry, lime, and tangerine. On the palate, the wine has flavors of yellow apple, ripe pear, juicy apricot, sweet spices, and a subtle exotic hint of lychee. The wine is floral and expressive with a gentle roundness on the finish.”

93 Points

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado

with No Comment $30 and underGrenache BlancKevin VogtSierra FoothillsUSA

SKINNER

GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO 

2020 Skinner Grenache Blanc El Dorado
Setting out to epitomize Sierra Foothill wines, Skinner designed their state-of-the-art winery to support chemical-free, small-lot fermentations. They strategically assembled a team of like-minded, talented individuals, including winemaker Adam Smith, former assistant winemaker at Craggy Range in New Zealand, and Domaine Serene in Oregon. Specializing in Rhône varieties, their Grenache Blanc exemplifies their team’s combined experience, environmental awareness, and the full capabilities of their vineyard. 
 
At 1,400 feet elevation, the alluvial soils of Skinner’s vineyard combine with elevation-induced cool temperatures, resulting in fruit with bright acidity and balanced flavors. Their vineyard’s shallow topsoil and decomposed granite cause the vines to struggle for water and nutrients, encouraging flavor intensity. 
 
Combining Concrete, Stainless Steel, and French oak fermentation vessels for increased complexity, Skinner’s winemaking team ferments their Grenache Blanc on the lees, increasing textural richness. At $24, this wine offers substantial value.
 
SKINNER
GRENACHE BLANC
2020 EL DORADO
 
Your Price: $24
 
 
Foothill Wine Festival 2021
Double Gold Medal
Best of Show – White Wine
100 Points
 
“The aromatics on the 2020 Grenache Blanc are punchy and brilliant, as the nose suggests a wine of tremendous posture. The first impression is crushed limestone and white flowers, giving way to underpinnings of blood orange, honeysuckle and sandalwood. This wine’s clean, platinum hue and lithe aromatics only begin to tell the story of its deep, complex palate presence of weight and electric tension; a tight balance of flowers, fruit and dirt, this is a real testament to the transcendence of El Dorado-grown white Rhônes.”

2015 Skinner El Dorado Syrah

with No Comment $30 and underFair PlaySyrahUSA

SKINNER

2015 SYRAH
EL DORADO

One of the fastest-growing categories in our shop is high-quality California Syrah at value Prices, and when you read about who’s involved in this project, and then consider it’s less than $30 bucks, it should be an easy decision to try it. After all, the wine is made by Chris Pittenger, who gained valuable first-hand experience working at iconic wineries Marcassin and Williams-Selyem.
 
The sumptuous, silky Skinner Syrah was carved primarily from the winery’s Stoney Creek Estate Vineyard, perched at 2,740′ elevation in the tiny AVA of Fair Play, located inside the larger El Dorado and Sierra Foothill Appellations. The area produces Syrah with distinct elegance, remarkable delineation, and rustic appeal. 
 
The 2015 vintage is artfully composed of 88% Syrah and finished with other Rhone grape varieties for added lift and abundant layers. After spending 23 months in French oak barrels, it has evolved nicely in the bottle and is seamlessly balanced, profound, and absolutely delicious…
 
SKINNER
2015 SYRAH
EL DORADO
Retails at: $30
 
Your Price: $24
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 “This wine tastes bold and assertive, pushing smoky oak and vanilla flavors close to the edge but rescuing them with attractive ripe flavors of blackberry and black cherry. The wine is full bodied, layered and mouthcoating, supported by moderate tannins that melt into the bold flavors.”93 Points