The Wines

Rita’s Block 2017

Rita’s Block is an exotic field blend from a plot within the Alegria Vineyard in the Russian River Valley with 18 different varietals creating this complex wine.  This special wine is tended to by friends and family throughout the entire year, leading up to hand harvesting by this group.  Harvest begins in the wee morning hours to optimize their acidity. The grapes are then quickly destemmed and crushed to preserve their flavors and aromas while still cold from the overnight chill.

Cellared 18 months in 30% new American Oak (Virginia).

• Varietal composition of the 2017 Rita's Block:

  • Zinfandel - 68.7%

  • Primitivo - 14.1%

  • Alicante Bouschet - 3.8%

  • Petite Sirah - 2.4%

  • Trousseau - 1.9%

  • Syrah - 1.5%

  • Tinta Cao - 1.1%

  • Mataro - 1.0%

  • Negrette - 1.0%

  • Charbono - 0.9%

  • Cilieglio - 0.8%

  • Einset - 0.7%

  • Royalty - 0.5%

  • Garnacha - 0.3%

  • Liatiko - 0.3%

  • Peloursin - 0.3%

  • Cabernet Sauvignon - 0.2%

  • Graciano - 0.2%

• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyard

• Cases Produced: 200

Rose of Syrah 2021

This Rhone style Rose made from 100% Syrah. They were early morning picked and whole cluster pressed immediately on receipt to the winery.  So, even with no skin contact time, the flavorful wine produced is light red in color and shows the wonderful flavors of Syrah while still being a light and refreshing Rose wine.  This makes the wine very versatile – perfect for enjoying chilled on its own or paired with a wide range of foods that will complement each other.

• Varietal: 100% Syrah

• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Notre Vue Vineyard

• Cases produced: 192

USA > California > Sonoma > Mengler Family Wines

SUSTAINABLE (CALIFORNIA CERTIFIED)

After a successful career in the pharmaceutical industry, Chris Mengler and his wife Rita decided to turn their lifelong passion for wine into a vocation, and moved to Sonoma to found Mengler Family Wines. Founded in 2014 and working exclusively with Sonoma fruit sourced from several top vineyards and select American oak, they produce a range of wines including a Chard, a Viognier, Dolcetto, Sangiovese and their amazing Rita’s Block, a true field blend of 18 different grape varieties.

Chris & Rita believe in working close to the land, and handle all aspects of vineyard work and winemaking themselves with help from family and friends. Their production of only about 1500 handmade cases annually showcases a range of unique and compelling styles, all designed to express the fruit and the terroir with minimal manipulation. All fruit is sourced from California Certified Sustainable vineyards. The wines routinely garner 90+ scores from the Advocate, Enthusiast, and Spectator, as well as multiple Golds and “Best in Category” in the SF Chronicle’s annual wine competition.

Chardonnay 2019 “Christine’s Selection” (Unoaked)

Clean and focussed Chardonnay fruit fermented and aged in stainless steel, brilliant and elegant with medium body and good acidity leading into a crisp finish.

• Varietal 100% Chardonnay

• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Stuhlmuller Vineyards, Block 2

• Cases Produced 231

Viognier 2019

This Viognier was aged 10 months on neutral American oak and exhibits classic floral aromatics tart green apple notes and guava nectar flavors.  This wine tastes great chilled as a refreshing way to start the evening and pairs well with lighter foods.  

• Varietal: 100% Viognier

• Appellation: Alexander Valley, Hoot Owl Creek Vineyard

• Cases produced: 250

  
  

Dolcetto 2018

This take on the Piedmont’s Dolcetto is deeply colored with spicy aromatics and complex dark fruit flavors reminiscent of dark berries, pomegranate and chocolate.  Despite its name, this wine is full-bodied, completely dry and pairs well with a wide range of food including pastas, pizza, or steak and can also be enjoyed on its own!

The 2014 Dolcetto was aged 12 months in a variety of oak barrels; 35% new.

• Varietal: 100% Dolcetto

• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyard

• Cases produced: 100

Sangiovese 2018

This Sangiovese is an elegant representation of a classic Chianti style wine.  Aged for 20 months on American oak (30% new), this Russian River Valley Sangiovese has wonderful dark fruit flavors and great aromatics that make it a superb, food friendly wine

•  Varietal: 100% Sangiovese

• Appellation: Russian River Valley, Alegria Vineyard

• Cases produced: 168