The View Standing at Manchester Ridge
MANCHESTER RIDGE VINEYARD
Perched high on the first ridge from the Pacific at 2000ft looking down on the sea, this vineyard is
like no other. Sitting above the marine layer, the days are cool, rarely getting above 85 F, while the
inversion layer creates warm nights resulting in vines that are always working. The vineyard is situated in the truly unique AVA of Mendocino Ridge. The AVA is a series of discontinuous ridges and peaks whose identity is based on solely on altitude. Only sites above the 1,200-foot fog line, the minimum elevation,
are included within the appellation. Islands in the Sky, as it is locally referred to, is spectacular and
we are glad to be working with a premiere vineyard in this AVA.
For more information on the vineyard, visit www.manchesterridge.com.
TRADE |
 |
WINEMAKING
Much like the Sonoma coast, the strong spring storms, create clusters that are small with tiny loose
berries. These weather conditions makes thinning in the vineyards rarely necessary, naturally
creating very small crop loads, which we always strive for. The clonal make up of the wine is 30%
Dijon 115 and 70% Dijon 777, both co-fermented. The must maintained a cold soak for nearly a
week before native fermentation began, allowing a careful and delicate extraction to capture the
elegant fruits and perfume that were tasted at the grapes’ ripeness in the vineyard. It was pressed
at dryness and laid to rest in tight grain French oak barrels, where it stayed until bottling.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
This is one poised temptress, alluring your nose with intoxicating perfumes of exotic Asian spice,
slate, indulgent raspberries and cocoa. The layers begin to release, revealing a hidden personality.
An incredibly sweet mid palate of just-ripe-raspberries and sweet red currants, underplayed with
iron, mineral and spice, are all tightly wrapped in layers of velvety tannins and natural acidity,
lingering into a fanning finish.
TECHNICAL DATA
Released March 2008
30% Dijon 115 and 70% Dijon 777
1.5 Tons per Acre
Native Yeast Fermentation
33% New French Cooperage
14.4% Alc by Vol
67 Cases Produced |
|
