Manchester’s grand view of the Pacific
MANCHESTER RIDGE VINEYARD
Situated atop a secluded ridgeline with a dramatic view of the Pacific Ocean, two thousand feet below, this vineyard yields a wine capable of deftly combining New World intensity and Old World complexity. Sitting above the marine layer, the days are cool, rarely getting above 85f, while the inversion layer creates warms nights resulting in vines that are always working. Situated in the unique Mendocino Ridge, it is an AVA this is discontinuous, solely a series of ridges and peaks whose identity is based 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. |
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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 (1.5 tons to acre), which we always strive for. The clonal make up of the wine is 50% Dijon 115 and 50% Dijon 777, fermented separatley. Blocks were harvested 10 days apart in the beginning of October. Due to their small size they were fermented in small bin fermenters. 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. It was pressed at dryness and laid to rest in tight grain French oak barrels. We selected only four of our favorite barrels for our 2007 Manchester designate bottling.
WINEMAKER'S NOTES
Deftly combining New World intensity and Old World complexity, alluring aromas of wild raspberry, brambly blackberry and white peppercorn lift forward initially, in time revealing black cherry, cinnamon, red currant, anise, and morel mushroom, with high notes of rosewater and wet slate. The palate introduces a kaleidoscope of bright bing cherry, rich boysenberry, strawberry, white peach, and sweet raspberry, all underpinned by intense mineral and herbal characteristics typical of this cool vineyard site. The finish remains focused thanks to generous acidity, slowly gaining sweetness and revealing a hint of milk chocolate.
TECHNICAL DATA
Released March 2008
50% Dijon 115 and 50% Dijon 777
1.5 Tons per Acre
Native Yeast Fermentation
33% New French Cooperage
14.1% Alc by Vol
98 Cases Produced |
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