WINEMAKER NOTES

The nose is citrus forward, featuring fresh lime, lemon and tangerine. These zesty notes are complemented by delicate floral aromas of sweet elderflower and lemon blossom. This chardonnay offers a light to medium body with a soft, rounded texture. The flavor profile includes luscious lemon curd, tropical notes and a hint of white peach.The wine showcases light acidity that enhances its bright, clean character. The finish is smooth with a hint of oak adding a balanced depth without overwhelming fruit flavors.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

Our grapes are hand-picked at dawn and delivered cool and firm to the winery. The fruit is then hand-sorted and whole-cluster pressed directly into 30% new French oak barrels for fermentation with a combination of native and cultured yeasts. The wine is aged for eleven months with twice-monthly lees stirring (bâtonnage) for the first five months to enhance texture and complexity. This Chardonnay undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation to round out its acidity and mouthfeel.

FRUIT SOURCE: BACIGALUPI VINEYARD

The Bacigalupi Vineyard first rose to prominence after the 1976 Paris Tasting, when the 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley Chardonnay triumphed over many acclaimed French wines in a professional blind tasting. 40% of the fruit for that award-winning Chardonnay came from the legendary Bacigalupi Vineyard, which has been owned and managed by the Bacigalupi family since 1956. Located just south of Healdsburg in the Russian River Valley's west side, warm days for ripening and cool nights for preservation of acidity ensure balance and quality.

VINTAGE NOTES

In 2021, despite the second consecutive year of drought-like conditions, the vines experienced a fantastic growing season. The extended growth period led to smaller clusters and berries, intensifying fruit flavors. By implementing careful irrigation practices and exercising patience, we were able to extend the hang time of the grapes, resulting in a well-balanced wine.

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.