Crazy Value Under $17 Sonoma Red Blend—Lowest Price Anywhere!

background:
JDB Wines was founded by proprietor Derek Beitler with his first vintage in 2007. Derek grew up in Southern Oregon – his introduction to wine did not come in this part of the state but rather in tiny Rutherford, Napa Valley where his Uncle Chuck Wagner operated Caymus Winery.

Derek moved to the quiet town of Occidental in western Sonoma County and began producing two wines: a single vineyard Syrah from the Sonoma Coast and a Viognier from the Santa Lucia Highlands. His first vintage was from 2007 under the Bodega Rancho label. Today he produces a number of labels collectively grouped under JDB Wines including Cerro, Skyhook and Tableau.

Skyhook is a Rhone-inspired red blend. This wine was born out of Derek Beitler's love and fascination for Rhone varietals.

winemaker's notes:
"For Skyhook, Derek crafts a perfectly well-thought blend of Syrah and Grenache. The Grenache comes from Judge Vineyard in the Bennet Valley AVA. A percentage of the Syrah comes from Vivio Vineyard in this same Valley, and the other from Thieriot Vineyard, in Sonoma Coast AVA.

"Skyhook is aged for 18 months in 2/3-year-old French oak barrels. The blend is composed of 58% Syrah and 42% Grenache. Spicy sanguine character and moderate tannin from the Syrah blend seamlessly with the broad resonant fruit character of Grenache. Assertive tannins and astringency, with a satisfyingly long finish."