Our Wines
Sketchbook Mendocino Collection is an expression of the real people, places, and tastes of Mendocino County, Northern California—a region celebrated for its wild natural beauty, free-spirited culture, and generations of independent grape growers. Each Sketchbook Wine is a master class in the art of observation, humbly beginning—as great artworks do—with honest, specific attention to the unique characteristics of each vineyard, vine, and vintage.
Order Wine – Call Toll Free at 800.888.6715
2016 Sketchbook Chardonnay
VINTAGE: 2016’s anticipated El Niño rainfall was less than originally forecast, but the increased rainfall Mendocino County received aided in stronger root and canopy development and refreshed vines. Warm spring days followed by long, mild summer temperatures allowed for steady fruit maturation producing excellent flavor and acid development.
TASTING NOTES: Nestled between rugged coastal mountains and ancient redwood forest, Mendocino’s benchland vineyards produce Chardonnay grapes full of rich varietal character—ripe and round with flavors of creamy pear and bright apple.
WINEMAKING: At the headwaters of the Russian River, Mendocino County is considered one of California’s pristine and less traveled wine regions. An area known for its simple way of life and breathtaking natural beauty, the grapes grown here express the care that results from generations of family farmers.
The combination of stainless steel with new and seasoned American and French oak barrels provides subtle texture and depth.
TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Mendocino County
COOPERAGE: Aged in combination of seasoned French & American oak barrels.
BOTTLING DATE: 09/18/17
CASES PRODUCED: 1162
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
TA: 0.59g/100mL
pH: 3.63
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 96.5% Chardonnay, 3.5% Muscat Canelli
2014 Sketchbook Cabernet Sauvignon
VINTAGE: A long growing season of moderate temperatures led to an early harvest and uniformly excellent fruit quality. Late March and April storms
brought relief to regional drought conditions. Smaller in yield, the small berry clusters presented intense extraction and concentrated flavors.
TASTING NOTES: Mendocino County’s rocky hillsides grow Cabernet Sauvignon grapes of remarkable character and complexity. Dark berry and chocolate
flavors are enriched by toasty oak tones and a hint of cedar forest.
WINEMAKING: This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from Redwood Valley and Ukiah Valley, two unique Mendocino County microclimates. Redwood Valley’s cooler temperatures contribute acid structure and balance, whereas the warmer temperatures of Ukiah Valley lead to a richer, fatter Cab profile. A French Bordeaux yeast strain was selected to support a pleasing midpalate structure and fresh, fruit-forward finish.
TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Mendocino County
COOPERAGE: Aged in combination of seasoned French & American oak barrels.
BOTTLING DATE: 06/21/16
CASES PRODUCED: 6205
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
TA: 0.05g/100mL
pH: n/a
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
2015 Sketchbook Pinot Noir
VINTAGE: A mild winter encouraged an early bud break, and the cool spring that followed produced smaller cluster sizes characterized by concentrated flavors and color due to optimal skin-to-juice ratios. An early harvest produced fruit of exceptional quality.
TASTING NOTES: At the cool northern extreme of California’s coastal wine region, Mendocino County is known for its elegantly balanced Pinot Noir grapes. Full-flavored yet delicate tastes of cherry and baking spice.
WINEMAKING: To preserve the delicate characteristics of true Pinot Noir, the grapes were cold-soaked for 36 hours before being cold-soaked for 36 hours before being fermentation rate: enhancing aromatic and structural complexity. The combination of stainless steel with new American oak and
neutral barrel aging provides subtle texture and depth.
TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Mendocino County
COOPERAGE: Aged 18 months in 12.5% American oak, 30% stainless steel, 57.5% neutral oak
BOTTLING DATE: 05/25/17
CASES PRODUCED: 1561
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
TA: 0.53g/100mL
pH: 3.70
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 100% Pinot Noir
2014 Sketchbook Artist’s Red
VINTAGE: A long growing season of moderate temperatures led to an early harvest
and uniformly excellent fruit quality. Late March and April storms brought relief to regional drought conditions. Smaller in yield, the small berry clusters
presented intense extraction and concentrated flavors.
TASTING NOTES: Like the Mendocino County countryside, SketchBook Artist’s Red is a richly textured wine of singular character. Crafted with a blend of the region’s finest bold varietals, red berry and spicy cola flavors are supported by a upple tannic frame. Red berry and spicy cola flavors are supported by a supple tannic frame.
WINEMAKING: A red blend drawn from seven varietals grown on twelve unique vineyard sites, the artistry of this Mendocino heritage red starts with separate fermentations of each lot of wine. The distinct nuances from each varietal create a composition that is both comprehensive and unique at the same time. Truly
a wine maker’s muse!
TECHNICAL NOTES
APPELLATION: Mendocino County
COOPERAGE: Aged 24 months in 20% new French oak, 80% redwood and stainless steel tank
BOTTLING DATE: 04/25/17
CASES PRODUCED: 4255
ALCOHOL: 14.5%
TA: 0.53g/100mL
pH: n/a
VARIETAL COMPOSITION: 44% Merlot, 30% Petite Sirah, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Sangiovese, 5% Syrah, 3% Zinfandel, 3% Grenache