SOUL OF MENDOCINO
Saracina
APPELLATION
Mendocino County
GRAPE VARIETIES
Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Carignane
WINEMAKERS
Alex MacGregor
TECHNICAL DATA
Acidity
3.59
Alcohol
14.9%
90POINTS
91POINTS
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.
TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES“Old Soul” red has been a Saracina favorite since the inaugural 2002 vintage. Over the last 20+ years, it has embodied the pioneering spirit of Mendocino—its new name, “Soul of Mendocino,” marks an exciting new chapter for this ever-evolving field blend.
The 2020 harvest was an exciting and sporty one, with early replenishing rains and a long, even growing season. Harvesting began on September 12 in Saracina’s Pick and Shovel Zinfandel block and adjacent hillside Petite Sirah block, then moved into an 80-year-old Carignane and Grenache field mid-month, and finished with Niemi Petite Sirah on September 30.
The individual lots were picked at full maturity, de-stemmed, and gently transferred into fermenters with almost 100% whole berries. Musts soaked at a cool temperature for 4–7 days, at which point native yeast fermentation began. Post-fermentation maceration followed for approximately one week.
The wine was aged in both French and American four-year-seasoned oak (10% new) for 18 months, which included five months of native malolactic fermentation. The blend was assembled and bottled in July 2022.
Showing off a light-absorbing, inky-purple color in the glass, Soul of Mendocino is redolent with aromas of black plum and savory herb, which follow on to a dense, bramble-berry palate edged with subtle spice. The opulent fruit characters are beautifully balanced by velvety tannins and a streak of lively acidity. Equally brilliant on a Wednesday night at the counter with a perfect BLT as it would be on a Saturday evening alongside an elevated mixed grill and roasted root vegetables.
RESOURCES
Saracina Portfolio
