Skipstone and Sphaerics Wine Dinner with Brian Ball October 11, 2024

Friday October 11, 2024

$150.00 per person, includes gratuity

Something NEW!  We have gotten to know Skipstone and Sphaerics through Brian Ball, as he has visited Taylor's Wine Shop in Raleigh each of the past few years.  Brian’s passion for wine began during college, working in fine dining restaurants.  After a brief stint on Wall Street, he travelled the world working with winemakers in Napa, Sonoma, Australia, and New Zealand.  He earned his second degree in Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis and attended the Wine Executive Program.  Brian has been GM at Skipstone since 2017.  Skipstone is tucked between two stunning hillsides in the mountains above Alexander Valley. Uncompromising in their standards of sustainability and treatment of the land, they are committed to nurturing the precious resource that is their 200 acre estate.  Highly renowned winemaker Philippe Melka solely created the 2021 vintages we'll be showing.  Come listen to the stories about how this Sonoma winery got involved in the Grand Cru Champagne business, and enjoy their exquisitely crafted high scoring red wines.

Brian and his wife, Laura Jones, just launched the wine brand Sphaerics with their 2022 vintage of extraordinarily limited 100 Pt. Chardonnay, if and only if.  Laura was previously at Bucella and Cliff Lede before she spent 2017-2022 as Mark Aubert's assistant winemaker at Aubert.   In 2022, Laura became Skipstone's lead winemaker, while Philippe Melka still consults.  We'll be drinking their Chard from the Upper Barn Vineyard (source for the 100 Pt. Marcassin wines).  Come see why Jeb Dunnuck is saying this sole inaugural release by Sphaerics "stopped me in my tracks".

This will be a buffet style, casual dinner at a private home in north Raleigh, near Taylor's Wine Shop.  Limited to 20 guests.  Our awesome pit master friends at Longleaf Swine will be bringing a mouthwatering array of barbecued meats and southern sides.  This will be a seated dinner, but not paired and coursed.  Mingling is encouraged as you get to know Brian and work your way through the following wines:

Skipstone Rose de Constance Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs Champagne

Reg $149 / Sale $135

Sphaerics "if and only if" Chardonnay, Alexander Mountain Estate 2022

Reg $173 / Sale $155

Skipstone Preface Proprietary Red, Alexander Valley 2021

Reg $94 / Sale $85

Skipstone Ripple Effect Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2021

Reg $190 / Sale $170

Skipstone Oliver's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2021

Reg $243 / Sale $220

The Special Sale pricing will be offered on these wines at the dinner only.

Tickets Non-Refundable 7 days in advance