2022 Skullflower Red Blend Mendocino

Skullflower comes from McNab Ridge Wine Company, led by the Parducci family, one of the true pioneers of California's wine industry with more than seventy years devoted to crafting Mendocino County wines. The winery takes its name from McNab Valley itself, named for Alexander McNab, a Scottish immigrant and American soldier who raised sheep across a ten thousand acre land grant there in the 1860s and became locally famous for his skilled herding dogs. McNab Ridge sits among three wineries along McNab Creek, and the estate's focus remains firmly on fruit quality and letting Mendocino County terroir show through in bold, generous red wines like Skullflower.

This bottling blends Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah, sourced from Mendocino County vineyards known for warm days and cooling nights that let these thick skinned, structured varieties reach full ripeness while retaining acidity. The combination is built for depth and intensity, layering Petite Sirah's inky color and firm tannin with Zinfandel's brambly fruit and Syrah's peppery spice. The result is a wine designed to be approachable on release while still carrying real structure and complexity, true to McNab Ridge's broader style of bold, terroir driven Mendocino reds.

The 2022 shows a deep purple color with aromas of violet, raspberry, and blackberry bramble jam, accented by fennel, smoke, and vanilla. The palate is full bodied and fruit forward, with black cherry, blueberry, and black pepper layered against chalky tannins and a long, spicy finish. It pairs well with grilled burgers, smoked brisket, or aged gouda.