2017 Wayfarer Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

The 2017 Golden Mean Pinot Noir opens with dark notes of anise, blueberry and forest floor, before evolving into fresh lavender and rose water. The texture of this wine always sets it apart, as the supple tannin of the Pommard clone drives the richness and element of spice found in this wine.

Winemaking Notes

We hand-picked each block and delivered firm, cool clusters to the winery before sunrise. We then hand-sorted and de-stemmed the fruit before transferring to tank, where five to seven days of cold maceration preceded more than two weeks of 100% native yeast fermentation. The free run wine was transferred to 33% new French oak for 15 months of aging.

Vintage Notes

2017 saw the largest accumulated rainfall in recent history at Wayfarer, 86 inches in total. Much of that rainfall occurred in January and February, while the vines were dormant. Wayfarer enjoyed moderate temperatures and clear skies through April and into May. This allowed for steady vine growth and consistent bloom, beginning at the end of May. June encountered one of the warmer stretches on record for the month. After a very wet winter, this proved to be a nice balance for the vines, helping to dry the wet soils and tame what could have been substantial vigor. The warmth continued through the summer, bringing nice texture to the fruit. Harvest began on September 6th with block 6. As harvest continued through September, temperatures became cooler, allowing the vines to ripen gradually. Not wanting to rush the vines, we patiently waited and wrapped up harvest in early October.

Blocks

5, 20, 24, 26a

Clones

Pommard 4 and 5, Swan

Critics

97 Points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com, April 2020

"The 2017 Pinot Noir Golden Mean is a mix of Pommard and Swan clone with 10% whole clusters, an approach that yields a compelling combination of juicy fruit and exotic aromatics. Black cherry, plum, licorice, menthol, lavender and spice are some of the notes that burst out of the glass. This is such a complex and nuanced Pinot. In a word: Stellar."

95 Points

Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, December 2019

"Pale to medium ruby-purple, the 2017 Pinot Noir Golden Mean needs some air to reveal wild blackberries, moss-covered bark, orange peel, cranberry and black raspberry with rose petal, autumn leaves, tobacco and dusty earth—beautifully broody and perfumed. The palate is medium-bodied and dense with earthy fruits accented by red berry sparks. The frame is fine, grainy and juicy with loads of berry fruit and a long, elegantly textured finish. This was made with about 10% whole cluster from Swan and Pommard clone fruit."

95 Points

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, June 2019

"Coming from Pommard and Swan, mostly from two separate blocks, the 2017 Pinot Noir Golden Mean saw a tiny amount of whole cluster and the standard 50-60% new oak. Similarly colored to the Mother Rock, it gives up a perfumed bouquet of red currants, forest floor, and rose petals. It's another seamless, elegant, beautifully balanced wine that has fine tannins, nicely integrated acidity, and a clean, elegant style."