Chardonnay

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.

Three unique vineyards represent the best of what Mendocino County can offer. Organically farmed Gianda Rose, lying on the east bank of the Russian River, is planted to Wente and Robert Young clones on modern tight spacing. Orsi’s 30-year-old vines lie just across the river on the west bank. The clone is Dijon 96. The venerable Lolonis Vineyard’s vines run 50 years old plus, with commensurate low yields and fruit with great backbone. They too are farmed organically. The growing season was marked by perfectly timed precipitation, with slightly below average yields and cluster weights. The concentration of fruit was simply astounding.

In tribute to the uniqueness of our chosen Chardonnay sites, the fruit was whole cluster pressed, settled, and fermented to dryness in both stainless steel and neutral oak barrels. Malolactic fermentation was inhibited to keep the wine fresh and bright. The wine remained on primary lees for just less than four months prior to blending to retain the pure expression of fruit for which we strive.

Our 2023 Mendocino County Chardonnay offers aromas of Bosc pear, white flowers and a crisp, snappy sweet pea note. The palate shows stone fruit and citrus flavors that are light and lively, unhampered by overbearing new oak or malolactic influence. This is a pure expression of Chardonnay, a ray of sunshine that carries itself admirably without excess weight.