WINEMAKER NOTES
Our 2023 Manchester Ridge Chardonnay is a deep, concentrated vintage. As one swirls the glass, the scents of bruised apples, white peaches, and lemon balm bleed into notes of ripe mangoes and delicate white flowers. On a first sip, notes of citrus, honey, and candied magnolias take center stage before fading into a nutty, pleasantly oaky finish.
WINEMAKING TECHNIQUES
Grapes are hand-picked at the break of dawn and promptly delivered to the winery, ensuring they remain cold. They are hand-sorted and whole-cluster pressed into French oak barrels. The juice then embarks on its barrel fermentation journey, aging gracefully sur lie for a duration of eleven months. We encourage a full 100% malolactic fermentation to harmonize the acidity. To enhance texture and complexity, we delicately stir the barrels twice a month (bâtonnage) for the initial five months. Finally, the wine is cleanly racked off the lees and prepared for bottling.
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 an elevation of 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
Accross Northern California, 2023 was a welcome break from the previous years of drought. A wet winter led to extended bud break and blooming, and mild spring and summer seasons allowed for added hang time, deepening the fruit’s flavor. In the Mendocino Ridge, these conditions produced nearly double the region’s usual yields for some varietals. Many are already raving about this vintage’s quality!
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.