Newton Vineyard was one of the first wineries in the Spring Mountain AVA (American Viticultural Area) in Napa Valley, established in 1977 by Peter Newton. In 1990, Newton was the first winery to produce and sell an unfiltered Chardonnay within the United States, making it a pioneer in the Napa wine industry. While the Chardonnay tends to be Newton's most well-known and popular wine, it also produces powerful red wines that have become renowned across the world.

Born within Newton Vineyard in 2007 as “Red Label”, Skyside Wines has expanded its boundaries to source the finest grapes from five counties that make up the North Coast appellation, including Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Napa. Skyside produces three delightful wines: Chardonnay, Red Blend and Cabernet Sauvignon. They are made in the Newton style to showcase the purity of fruit. We will taste:

Chardonnay 2018 — Every year, grapes with specific characteristics are selected that allow the desired flavor profile of the final blend and create continuity vintage to vintage. This wine was fermented in a combination of oak barrels and stainless-steel tanks. For added complexity, barrel-fermented lots were stirred monthly while undergoing malolactic fermentation. It was aged for a total of 8 months on the lees. This Chard offers bright aromas of pineapple, white peach and elderflower are balanced on the nose with aromas of star anise, vanilla and creamy French oak influences. On the palate flavors of apricot, golden apple and ginger mingle with well-integrated oak notes, resulting in a crisp yet rounded wine with a long, lingering finish. 14% ABV. $23/$8

Red Blend 2018 — Newton believes blending starts in the vineyard. Skyside selects the best grapes from several diverse areas within the region, allowing a wine that is vibrant, balanced and complex. Fruit is sourced from the five counties that make up the North Coast appellation: Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Solano, and Napa. Aromas of red currant, plum and blackberry fruit followed by warm baking spices, cocoa and mountain sage. The wine enters smooth and fills the mid-palate mingling with the flavors of fruit, spice, subtle oak and chocolate. The tannins and acidity meet gracefully extending into a lingering finish. Blend: 43% Merlot, 39% Syrah, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec, 1% Petite Sirah. 13.5% ABV. $23/$8

Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 — Bold with black currant and blackberry on the nose and notes of tar and oak. The palate is broad with layers of spicy dark cherry and blue fruit wrapped in a supple texture. The finish is firm and long with balanced acidity. Grapes are sourced from high-density hillside vineyards in Sonoma, Alexander Valley and Chalk Hill wine-growing districts. Aged 10-14 months in French oak barrels. 14% ABV. $26/$9

We’re back to barside, as usual, after our tableside Wine and Fudge Pairing last week. St. Lucio’s Gourmet and Cheese is open inside the store for your cheese needs and are bringing in some amazing new cheeses every week! Feel free to bring snacks/dinner with you, but please dispose of your own trash (there is a trash can at the back entrance).

See you Friday!