WINEMAKER NOTES

With a dry winter, a cold, frost-filled spring, and a summer drought, 2021 was a difficult growing year. But though these conditions led to limited yields throughout the Mendocino Ridge appellation, these smaller batches of fruit produced more concentrated flavors and aromas. Notes of brown butter, cinnamon, cherry cola, and milk chocolate materialize as the wine swirls in the glass. On the palate, red fruit tones of strawberry, cranberries, and cherry pie share the stage with darker chocolate expressions, all perfectly balanced with the wine’s naturally bright acidity. This light- to medium-bodied wine is ready to open now but will also benefit from further aging.

WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES

Harvested early in the morning to ensure gentle processing of cool fruit, the clusters were hand-sorted, destemmed, and crushed to release the juice. 10% of the fruit was left whole cluster for complexity and fermented in small, open-top bins using a blend of natural and cultured yeasts. After fermentation, the grapes were pressed directly into 40% new French oak barrels for 11 months of aging. The final blend consists of the winemaker's selection 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

In 2021, we faced numerous challenges. Low rainfall, early bud break, a continuing pandemic, and an intense drought season tested our resilience. However, these difficulties led to shorter yields and increased stress on the vines, resulting in more concentrated and unique fruit flavors that truly stand out.

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.