Robert Sinskey Vineyard

Robert Sinskey Vineyards is located up against the hill on east side of Silverado Trail.  It was founded in 1988 by Dr. Robert Sinskey, an ophthalmologist,  as an upcoming retirement hobby, but when his retirement was delayed, his son, Rob Sinskey, stepped in to run the winery and has remained involved since. They have 200 acres of vineyard that is certified organically and biodynamically farmed.  The grounds at the winery are not very large but there is an outdoor patio and the building itself is lovely.  They also have a demonstration kitchen inside near the tasting area. The tasting fee is $25, with a $15 refund provided with the purchase of two full bottles of wine or the equivalent.  "Daily bites" are provided automatically with the tasting and includes olives, almonds, cheese, etc.

Our tasting began with the Robert Sinskey 2012 Scintilla Sonoma Vineyard, Los Carneros Abraxas, Vin de Terroir at $36 a bottle. It is a blend of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc and Gewürztraminer.  It had a very nice nose of flowers and spice.  On the palate it was fairly dry and refreshing, mostly pear and lemon, with some minerality and a medium length finish. Quite pleasant and easy to recommend.

Next up was the Robert Sinskey Los Carneros 2012 Pinot Blanc at $22 a half bottle.  This had very good nose of apples and flowers with good minerality on the palate.  It was more round and softer than I prefer in a Pinot Blanc, with pear, apple and some lime along with  a medium length finish.  If you like this style Pinot Blanc, one that is not in the more austere Alsatian style, this might appeal to you.

The third pour was the Robert Sinskey Los Carneros 2010 Pinot Noir at $38. The ruby color was lovely and the nose quite good with red cherry and some distinct cranberry.  On the palate it was very smooth and well balanced, mostly red cherry with some strawberry.  This medium bodied Pinot Noir had a medium length but very pleasant finish. A nice Carneros Pinot.

Robert Sinskey 2009 POV at $38.  This is a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc blend in the Right Bank Bordeaux style.  It was aged for 19 months in 30% new French oak.  It had a good nose of black cherry and plum.  On the palate it was round and full with good tannins and structure along with black cherry, blackcurrant and fennel. It is quite drinkable alone but would pair well with steak.  Should cellar well. 

Robert Sinskey Los Carneros 2007 Marcien Proprietary Red at $90.  This is a Right Bank Bordeaux style blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon.  It was aged for 18 months in French oak with 35% being new oak.  675 cases were produced. The nose was somewhat light but complex with some spice and earth notes. It had great balance, very good tannins and excellent fruit with some spice and a long finish of cherry and forest floor.  It was an interesting and complex wine with a fantastic finish. Highly recommended.

Robert Sinskey Vineyards offers an interesting line up of premium wines in a large picturesque, cathedral like tasting room with vaulted ceilings and rock walls.  It is easy to find and has ample parking.  Service was friendly and informative.  Definitely worth a visit.

Robert Sinskey Vineyard

6320 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558

(707) 944-9090

Date of visit: June 28, 2013