SAUVIGNON BLANC
Saracina
APPELLATION
Mendocino County
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Sauvignon Blanc
WINEMAKERS
Alex MacGregor
TECHNICAL DATA
Acidity
3.14
Alcohol
12.5%
91POINTS
90POINTS
Located along the Upper Russian River in rugged northern California, Saracina Vineyards is a 400-acre working ranch and California Certified Sustainable winery. Along with breathtaking vistas and rolling hills, the property is also home to a grove of 140-year-old olive trees, vegetable gardens, beehives, and a few friendly alpacas and goats.
Family is at the heart of the estate and has been since it was founded in 2001. Today, the Taub family are at the helm, proudly stewarding the land and forging an even stronger foundation of superb quality—wines that give Mendocino its due as an exceptional winegrowing region.
The grapes were sourced from multiple vineyards, the majority farmed organically. The dry-farmed Lolonis Vineyard, planted in 1942 and recognized as the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vineyard in California, provides minerality and austerity in this rendition of Sauvignon Blanc. Chevalier Home Ranch, also in Redwood Valley, is equally austere with a briny component that adds complexity and nuance, with a dollop of Sauvignon Musqué lending a lovely perfume note. McFadden Farms in Potter Valley provides more sauvage, old vine character and nuance.
The growing season was marked by very low precipitation, with the lowest yields and cluster weights ever recorded. The trade-off, concentration of fruit, was simply astounding. Harvest began at the old block at Feliz Creek on August 23, and wrapped up with Lolonis on September 27.
The grapes were hand-picked, whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented with native yeast in neutral Burgundian barrels. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. Acid levels were brilliantly elevated, and the tiny berries produced excellent fruit intensity and above average weight. The wine remained on the lees for four months with two months batonnage.
TASTING NOTESThe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc really pops with lemon verbena, chamomile, lime leaf and musk melon aromatics. The palate is electrifying, with great natural acidity striking a balance with texture gained from lees contact. It’s a delicious, mouthwatering and complex version of Sauvignon Blanc.
RESOURCES
Saracina Portfolio
