Wayfarer, Wayfarer Vineyard, Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, California, 2017

Overview of the Wine
Wayfarer was founded as a secluded farmstead more than 40 years ago, before its locale was defined as the now coveted Fort Ross Seaview AVA. In 1989, Jayson Pahlmeyer's winemaker, Helen Turley, discovered the site for sale down the road from her Marcassin vineyard. She introduced Pahlmeyer, declaring it destined to become "the La Tache of California."

In tandem with his daughter Cleo and renowned winemaker Bibiana Gonzales Rave, Pahlmeyer drives to make intricate wines of transcendence, answering to powerful, ever-unpredictable climate that rewards only the most observant and meticulous. It is an endeavor of true passion, an experiment that pushes the exactitude of winegrowing and winemaking to the farthest limits.

Grape / Blend
Pinot Noir

Origin
Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma County, California

Tasting Notes
This cuvée of 12 Pinot Noir clones, from our estate on the rugged Sonoma Coast, exhibits deep ruby and garnet color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, spiced cherry pie and stone fruit mingle with delicate floral notes of rose petal and violet, grounded by hints of forest floor and accented by flinty mineral notes. Bright raspberry characters on the palate are balanced by crisp acidity and delicate tannins. Notes of dark chocolate, tamarind, and powdery earth linger on the finish. This elegant wine will continue to develop complexity in the bottle over the next 10 years.

95 Points - James Suckling
This has very complex aromas of primary fruit, wild herbs, blue fruit and a spicy, meaty edge. Assertive oak meets rich fruit. The palate is impressively pure, supple and richly flavored with blueberries and cherries. Such concentrated and delicious, darker-fruited pinot here.

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
Smoky oak lies beneath thick tangy red fruit laced in high-toned acidity that takes on a quality of citrus in this bold and beautiful estate wine. Full bodied, with plenty of power, it displays remarkable grace that contrasts and complements the firm structured tannin.

93 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard is made from the 11 different clones grown on the property. Medium ruby-purple, it features crushed gravel, cranberry, sliced blueberry, rhubarb, moss-covered bark and stewed black tea leaves with hints of classy new oak. Medium-bodied, it has an intense fruit core with earthy accents, a silky, rounded texture and a soft frame of grainy tannins. It has juicy freshness and a long finish. This is a full, lush style with satisfying nuance and layering.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Very creamy, featuring pastry notes to the inky red plum, sandalwood and dried berry flavors. Mocha latte details show on the rich finish, with medium-grained tannins.

Product size: 750ml