Today we present one of the most exciting new projects from the Pacific Northwest that I have tasted in the past year. The Skysill Vineyard is located in the Mill Creek region of the Walla Walla Valley, planted to Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay. The original plantings were 40 acres and 27 more acres were planted last year. This site was originally purchased by Ken Harrison back in 2013.
Amy and Dan Wampfler have been working with this vineyard since 2011. Chardonnay was planted with Bordeaux varietals as Dan Wampfler noted “Cold Creek and Canoe Ridge are perfect examples where you can do this and these are world class varietals from a world-class vineyard and now you are seeing a clamoring for Chardonnay in the Mill Creek region.” He stated “Mill Creek is great for Chardonnay because of the elevation, you have air drainage and slope and soil. One of the cool differentiation is that the Missoula floods went to 1300 feet and this is above the flood plane of the Missoula floods. A different soil type, more pure windswept Loess.” He explained that the vineyard elevation ranges from 1400-1500 feet, with the majority being southwest facing on a slope. There are massive diurnal shifts at this site. “Temperatures warm up faster here and cool down more here than downtown with the mountain breeze” Wampfler said.
2022 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay- The 2022 ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Chardonnay is a blend of three clones. This was stored in mostly new French oak (light toast levels) before bottling. The nose is incredible with toasty oak, marshmallow, Meyer lemon blossom and suggestions of baking spice dusted brioche. The palate is incredible and beautifully textured, with amazing viscosity and length. This is very Washington vs. Montrachet, in terms of weight, mouthfeel and depth. The finish just won’t quit and lasts for a minute. This is an astonishingly good wine that is truly a benchmark Washington Chardonnay. Drink 2024-2036- 97
2020 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon- 100% varietal, the world-class 2020 Abeja ‘Skysill Estate Vineyard’ Cabernet Sauvignon comes from this site farmed at less than 2.5 tons per acre, with very compact clusters and berry size due to the wind at this site. Stored in mainly new French oak, this was bottled in July 2023. Very inky in the glass, this reveals layers of sagebrush, violet rose petals and pencil lead alongside toasty oak, dark currants and suggestions of Asian spices. The intoxicating aromatics bring you back to the glass for more enjoyment. The palate is very seamless throughout the drinking experience. The length, weight and tension in the wine is astonishingly good as this flirts with perfection. A total stunner, congrats to the winemaking team of Amy and Dan Wampfler. No reason to cellar this incredible wine that is truly one of the finest Washington wines made in the 2020 vintage. Tasted on two separate occasions, give this at least two hours in the decanter if enjoying now. Drink 2024-2033- 100