2022 Skullflower Red Blend Mendocino

McNab Ridge Winery sits in Hopland, on land once part of the 1868 sheep ranch homesteaded by Scottish immigrant Alexander McNab, the same ranch that gave rise to the McNab herding dog breed. John Parducci, grandson of Mendocino pioneer Adolph Parducci who founded Parducci Winery in 1932, established McNab Ridge in 1999 to keep the family's winemaking tradition going after leaving the original estate. His grandson Rich Parducci, a fourth generation winemaker, now leads the cellar, sourcing fruit from the same network of local growers his grandfather worked with for decades.

Skullflower reflects McNab Ridge's playful side, part of a lineup of wines built around whimsical labels and easy drinking style. The 2022 blends Petite Sirah, Zinfandel, and Syrah, all grown by neighboring Mendocino County vineyards and brought together to show off the county's range of ripe, sun soaked fruit rather than any single site or variety.

Deep purple in the glass, it opens with violet, raspberry, blackberry, and a touch of smoke and vanilla. The palate turns richer still, layering black cherry, blueberry, cinnamon, and fig with chalky, full bodied tannins through a long finish. Try it with smoked gouda, goat cheese, or backyard burgers.