WINEMAKER NOTES

The 2019 Manchester Ridge Pinot Noir boasts depth and character, resulting in a medium to full-bodied wine. Thanks to an extended hang time and a warm summer, the fruit reached optimal maturity. The nose reveals rich, dark fruit notes of blackberry, raspberry jam, and gentle 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, destemmed, with 10% left as "whole cluster" 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

One of California's best-kept secret sources of spectacular fruit. This vineyard is truly unique, set in a rugged and remote location that can only be reached via timber-flanked logging roads. Situated at an elevation of 2,058 feet, it rises above the coastal fog, just to the west of Anderson Valley. The interplay of warm days and cool nights extends the hang time for ripening, resulting in a harvest that typically occurs one month later than our valley vineyards.

VINTAGE NOTES

Sonoma 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.