WINEMAKER NOTES

The 2019 Manchester Ridge Chardonnay is an elegant wine that showcases the beauty of the coast, transporting you to a serene forest setting with tall redwoods and gentle streams. Hints of lemon blossom and green apple on the nose are followed by a layered palate with kiwifruit, Gravenstein apple, orange peel, and Meyer lemon. A fine vintage with evolving flavors that will continue to develop over the next five years.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

At the winery, the grapes are sorted and whole-cluster pressed straight into the barrel. The juice is then barrel-fermented and left to age sur lie for eleven months. This wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation to round out the acidity and enhance mouthfeel, and we gently stir the barrels (bâtonnage) twice a month for the first five months to help build texture and complexity. Finally, the wine is racked clean off the lees and bottled.

FRUIT SOURCE: MANCHESTER RIDGE VINEYARD

Located in Mendocino County, California's best-kept secret source of spectacular wines is only accessible by timber-flanked logging roads that climb to 2,058 feet in elevation. The vineyard comprises a potential 78 total plantable acres, of which 29.86 are planted, with 18.7 acres of Pinot Noir and 8.5 acres of Chardonnay.

VINTAGE NOTES

In 2019, Mendocino County experienced an excellent growing season due to a long winter and abundant rainfall. A late bloom and a slower growing season resulted in longer hang times for the grapes, leading to even ripeness throughout the vineyards. Despite being two weeks behind expected harvest dates, this vintage produced high-quality wines with natural acidity and bright fruit flavors.

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.