WINEMAKER NOTES

The nose of this Chardonnay blend rises from the glass with tropical notes of pineapple, kiwi and stone fruits mingling with toasted oak and vanilla. Splashing the palate, white nectarines dance with green apples in bright acidity. Subtle, creamy oak tinged baked peaches translate to a fresh, crisp green apple finish pushed by textural, food friendly acidity. This is a great example of Burgundian methods being applied to California fruit with aplomb.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

Fruit is hand-picked in the morning, delivered to the winery and pressed gently for three hours to a stainless-steel tank for a one-day cold soak. We then rack the juice off the hard lees straight to barrels for fermentation, where the soft sediment will continue to mix, increasing mouthfeel. We then age the wine on the lees for the next six months, stirring once a month to help build weight and structure on the palate. Once finished, the wine is racked off the lees and bottled.

FRUIT SOURCE HOPKINS AND WILLOWSIDE VINEYARD

Willowside Vineyard rests on a valley floor and is regularly engulfed by long periods of light-diffusing fog, helping its fruit retain nice acid levels and expressive green apple and citrus tones. Hopkins Ranch is in the northern reach of Russian River Valley, taking in plenty of sun exposure and showcasing the melon, nut character, and peach tones that round out the voice of this fruit duet.

VINTAGE NOTES

Due to an ideal growing season the 2018 vintage is already showing its potential for greatness. A cool spring followed by moderate summer temperatures delayed the onset of veraison and extended hang time during ripening. Grape development and maturation took extra time and required less fruit thinning than in previous years. Harvest began two to three weeks later than average, and our fruit came in with excellent quality and made beautifully balanced wines.

THE WINERY

Bailarín Cellars was created in 2014 by a collective of family and friends, each following their respective passions. 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.