Sonoma, Anderson Valley and Beyond: New Releases
These new and upcoming releases from Wayfarer confirm all the promise I sensed last year. Simply put, the wines are stunning. Cleo Pahlmeyer and winemaker Bibiana González Rave are doing magnificent work here. Wayfarer makes five different Pinots; the Wayfarer is meant to be a representation of the entire property, while the other bottlings explore the unique attributes of a number of single parcels on the estate. At the moment, there is only one Chardonnay, but I would not be surprised to see more bottlings here as well, as this location on the Sonoma Coast can produce dazzling whites. Stylistically, the wines are racy and textured... The Pinots are typically made with some percentage of whole clusters. These are some of the most striking wines being made on the Sonoma Coast and California today.
2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Paige's Ridge
The 2013 Pinot Noir Paige's Ridge is one of the darker, richer wines in this lineup. Round and explosive, the 2013 offers gorgeous depth in its dark blue and purplish-toned fruit. Hints of lavender, menthol, cloves and licorice add further dimensions of nuance. The Paige's Ridge is fermented in a wood upright, which also adds texture. Even with all of its intensity, the 2013 appears to still have room to grow. 93+
2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Mother Rock
A more floral and mineral profile emerges from 2013 Pinot Noir Mother Rock. Flowers, chalk, iron, white pepper and a host of saline/ferrous notes wrap around a core of distinctly red-toned fruit. The chalk-rich soils confer notable energy and focus, while a dollop of whole clusters adds savory overtones. 93
2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Golden Mean
The 2013 Pinot Noir Golden Mean is all about exuberance. Juicy dark cherries, plums, lavender and cloves burst from the glass as this resonant, radiant Pinot shows off its considerable personality and pedigree. The combination of Swan and Pommard clones here is hugely appealing. Exotic floral and spice notes add the final layers of nuance. Winemaker Bibiana Gonzalez-Rave was done with 35% whole clusters. Once again, the Golden Mean is superb. 94+
2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir The Traveler
Silky, aromatic and lifted, the 2013 Pinot Noir The Traveler is fabulous. Freshly cut flowers, mint, sweet red berries, orange peel and white pepper form a gracious, compelling tapestry of aromas, flavors and textures. The 2013 is supple, expressive and absolutely impeccable in its balance. Sweet, Chambolle-inflected overtones grace the exquisite, beguiling finish. What a gorgeous wine this is. 95
2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard
The 2013 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard is supple, expressive and exceptionally beautiful. Plump red cherries, plums, cinnamon and rose petals meld together in a racy, effortless Pinot built on texture and nuance. Beams of acidity and minerality give the 2013 much of its energy and delineation. This is a great introduction to the wines of the property. The Wayfarer is a blend of 12 different clones from various parcels scattered across the property. 94
2013 Wayfarer Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard
The 2013 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard shows just how well suited this site is to Chardonnay. Lemon oil, jasmine, apricot pit and white pepper are all beautifully articulated in a tense, crystalline Chardonnay that dazzles with brilliance. This is by far the most chiseled Chardonnay in the Pahlmeyer range, and a great example of what is possible on the coast. 94
