WINEMAKER NOTES

The 2019 Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir is a medium- to full-bodied wine that boasts depth and character. Thanks to extended hang time and a warm summer, the fruit reached optimal maturity. The nose reveals rich, dark notes of blackberry, raspberry jam, and hints of tobacco leaf. On the palate, you'll encounter flavors of boysenberry, plum, and anise, which culminate in a soft and graceful finish. This wine wiIl age beautifully for the next decade.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

Clusters were hand-harvested at night to gently process cool fruit. At the winery, grapes were sorted by hand and destemmed, with 10% left as whole clusters for added complexity. They were then fermented in small, open-top bins with twice-daily hand punch downs, using a mix of natural and cultured yeasts. After reaching dryness, the grapes were pressed into a combination of 40% new French oak barrels for 11 months of aging. The final blend comprises the winemaker's choice of the best barrels.

FRUIT SOURCE: MANCHESTER RIDGE VINEYARD

Located in Mendocino County, the Mendocino Ridge AVA is one of California's best-kept secret sources of spectacular fruit. The vineyard sits above the coastal fog at 2,058ft, just west of Anderson Valley. Warm days and cool nights increase the hang time for ripening with harvest typically occurring one month later than our valley vineyards.

VINTAGE NOTES

Mendocino County experienced a nearly ideal 2019 growing season. The late bloom and slow growing season led to extended hang times under late summer sunshine for the developing grapes. This allowed for even ripeness throughout the vineyards and exceptional retention of natural acidity. Harvest was a full two weeks behind average, and the 2019 fruit produced quality wines with bright, fresh acidity and complex 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.