Saracina Malbec Skid Row Vineyards 2009

Vintage and Release Information

Mendocino County 2009
Released October 15, 2011
Production of 284 cases

Varietal Composition

100% Malbec

Technical Data

13.8% alcohol by volume
5.3 g/L titratable acidity
pH 3.87
Bottled August 31, 2011

Vineyards

Our estate Skid Row Vineyard, planted in 1999, is the westernmost block at Saracina Vineyards, defined by black clay and gravelly soils at the base of the foothills.  The plant material is the original Bordeaux clone 4.  It is significant not for what it produces but for what it does not produce:  It is the lowest-yielding, commercial Malbec clone available.  On our property, typical yields are one- to one-and-a-half tons per acre.  This produces concentrated fruit without the need to pick at ultra-high sugars.

Harvest

In California, 2009 was a drought year, and Hopland was no exception.  The growing season was moderate, but the lack of ground moisture kept the yields even lower than normal, with cluster weights less than 60g/cluster.  This allowed for very even ripening and great concentration at moderate sugars.  We harvested on the morning of October 12th at 23.4 degrees Brix.

Winemaking and Cooperage

The grapes were harvested by hand, de-stemmed and gently fed into the fermenter with 50% whole berries.  Native yeast fermentation began in earnest seven days later, and the cap was managed with two aerative pumpovers per day until dryness.  The wine was drained directly into Taransaud barrels, 25% of which were new.  Native malolactic fermentation was complete by late December.  The wine rested on light lees for 19 months.  It was lightly fined and bottled unfiltered on August 31, 2011.

Winemaker

Alex MacGregor

Assistant Winemaker

Sebastian Donoso

Winemaker's Comments

Deep garnet in color, the nose reveals an enticing array of blueberry, black raspberry, sandalwood, mocha and cocoa notes.  The palate is layered, silky and savory with very supple tannins framing an elegant, deep, well-balanced wine.  Malbec has become a popular varietal due to its versatility at the table.  Our delicious first rendition compliments any red meats from the grill or spicy winter stews.