By Brick and Mortar
2019 Chardonnay "Manchester Ridge Vineyard" Mendocino Ridge

Vineyard Notes
Manchester Ridge Vineyard sits at a 2,000-foot elevation due west of Anderson Valley and about four miles from the Pacific Ocean. On the ridge tops of the Pacific Coast mountain ranges, this vineyard resides above the fog throughout the year. The maritime influence, paired with the bright yet cool sun on the coast, increases the hang time for our Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, further elevating the bright minerality imparted by the Goldridge soils. Unpredictably blustery, cold, and ever-changing, the climate at Manchester Ridge Vineyard is by far the most challenging of all the vineyards we work with, but the fruit quality is always amongst the highest for the winery.

Vintage Notes
The 2019 vintage was a classic Northern California vintage. Ample rains in the spring alleviated drought concerns and allowed for a wonderful start to the harvest. A warm, late summer, followed by a cooling trend, created ideal ripening conditions. 2019 was an excellent vintage that made wines with great structure. We harvested Manchester Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay on September 6th at 21.0 degrees brix.

Winemaking Notes
We strive to allow the site to shine in every wine we produce. The Chardonnay is whole-cluster pressed and allowed to settle via gravity before being transferred to French oak barrels (50% new). Native primary and fermentation occur, lasting upwards of six months. No malolactic fermentation nor batonnage is performed on the barrels to preserve a pure expression of the vineyard, as the intense sunlight of the site creates incredible texture in the fruit. Our Chardonnay is aged in barrels for ten months before a light fining and filtration prior to bottling.

Tasting Notes
2019 Manchester Ridge Vineyard Chardonnay expresses candied lemon peel and crushed stones with notes of lily, jasmine, macadamia nut, and honeysuckle. Full of expressive white blossoms, yellow apple, and matchstick flint, the aromatics are expansive and alluring. Richer in style than most of our Chardonnays, the palate showcases creme brulee and yellow apple with a striking and energetic finish. Gorgeous in its youth, we foresee this wine improving over the next 10+ years.

Wine Details
Vineyard Designate: Manchester Ridge Vineyard
AVA: Mendocino Ridge
Alcohol: 12.50%
Release Date: April 1st, 2022
[Information provided by Matador Vino]