WINEMAKER NOTES

The nose shows appealing notes of Pomegranate, Asian pear, raspberry pie and many other noticeable layers of dried fruits showing its complexity.  The palate follows through with sweet cherry, dried dark fruits, blackberries with subtle oak and creamy tannins.  Lingering finish of velvety sweet strawberries, blackberries and bright acidity lending itself to great food.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

Grape clusters were hand harvested at night to ensure gentle processing of cool fruit. At the winery, the grapes were hand sorted and de-stemmed, leaving 10% as whole clusters for added complexity and spice component. The grapes were then fermented with native yeast in temperature-controlled tanks with punch-downs three times daily. At dryness, the grapes were drained and pressed directly to barrel, with a combination of 40% New French oak barrels for 11 months aging.

VINTAGE NOTES

While the growing season had a couple of hiccups, it was largely uneventful. The biggest challenges came early in the growing season with budbreak occurring in some areas by the beginning of February, while rains in March stunting cluster development in a few vineyards, making for smaller berries and clusters. Moderate weather prevailed throughout summer and the lack of heat waves kept sugar levels and phenolic maturity in sync while ripening progressed slowly and predictably. The only extended periods of extreme heat came in late June and late July which allowed for extended time on the vine to produce desired flavor profiles. Crush was finished by late September and early indications on quality bode well. Berries were firm and had healthy skins producing vivid, deep flavors, great acidity and tannins and excellent freshness; strong specific vineyard signatures.

FRUIT SOURCE: BLACK KNIGHT VINEYARD

The award winning Black Knight Vineyard is scattered across a Santa Rosa mountain top with an elevation of 8oo feet with strong marine influences. Of the 60 acres, a little more than 30 acres are planted to vineyard with 5 different clones of Chardonnay and 7 clones of Pinot Noir. Due to the steep and multifaceted location, there are at least 20 different microclimates within the vineyard. Running through the property is the Rogers Creek Fault which exposed a fantastic rocky ridge completely different from the soils on the majority of the rest of the property. Each of these elements contribute to hundreds of variables to consider while farming.

THE WINERY

Bailarín Cellars was created in 2014 by a collective of family and friends, each following their respective passions and all sharing one: quality wine. Together we focus on producing small lots of handcrafted wines from unique vineyard sources. We are proud to share the fruits of our labor and love with you.