SAUVIGNON BLANC LOLONIS VINEYARD
Saracina
APPELLATION
Mendocino County
GRAPE VARIETIES
100% Sauvignon Blanc
WINEMAKERS
Alex MacGregor
TECHNICAL DATA
Acidity
3.15
Alcohol
13.2%
92POINTS
92POINTS
Saracina is located along the Upper Russian River in northern California’s wine country. The 400-acre ranch which includes a winery and sustainably farmed vineyards, is also home to a 140-year-old olive trees, vegetable gardens, beehives, and local birds and wildlife. The handcrafted, limited production Saracina wines reflect a conscious sense of this beautiful place in Mendocino County. Founded by husband and wife team John Fetzer and Patty Rock in 2001, Saracina has always been defined by a strong sense of family. In 2018, Marc Taub took on stewardship of Saracina, upholding the spirit of family ownership that has defined this iconic Mendocino County winery since inception.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTESThe Lolonis vineyard has some of the oldest Sauvignon Blanc vines in the country, planted in 1942. The vines are dry-farmed, never irrigated and always organically farmed on the Yokayo series (alluvial loam) soils. The clonal material hails from the finest chateau in Sauternes.
The growing season of 2020 began evenly, with no major issues. Low precipitation during the previous winter and spring led to below average cluster weights and yields, thus superior concentration and flavor. Harvesting began on September 2nd with two westernmost blocks and finished with the east block on the 5th. Yields were less than two tons per acre.
The grapes were hand-picked, whole cluster pressed, and barrel fermented with native yeast in 3- and 4-year-old Burgundian barrels. The wine did not undergo malolactic fermentation. Acid levels were brilliantly elevated, and the concentrated berries produced excellent fruit intensity and weight. The juice remained on the lees, with bi-weekly batonnage, for four months.
TASTING NOTESThe Lolonis opens with brine, wet stone and citrus aromas. The palate begins with invigorating, spring-like notes, with clean acidity that weaves in and out and leaves you wanting more. With time in the glass, the texture deepens, and the concentration of the vineyard becomes more evident. Lolonis is a rare site, which speaks for itself.
RESOURCES
Saracina Portfolio
