2024 Wayfarer Pinot Noir

Tasting Notes

On the nose, the 2024 ‘Paige’s Ridge’ is intensely floral and bright, with violet, marionberry, blackberries on the vine, and a stony minerality. Polished tannins and cherry fruit burst onto the palate, which is rich and plush, with a wet slate freshness and juicy acidity that extends into a long, elegant finish.

About Paige's Ridge

‘Paige’s Ridge’ is composed of the Pinot Noir clone Dijon 667, known for its dense clusters, small berries, and thick skins, and is planted along a steep east-facing ridgeline. It displays the darkest fruit profile and greatest opulence of our bottlings with polish and verve.

Winemaking Notes

Block 8 was harvested by hand at night, with firm, cool clusters delivered to the winery before sunrise. The fruit was hand-sorted and fully destemmed before being gently elevated by conveyor into an oak cuve for five to six days of cold maceration. Fermentation was carried out by native yeast; the cap was punched down by hand, with frequency and technique guided by tasting the tank daily. Exclusively free-run wine aged in 228L French oak barrels, 33% new, for 15 months before being bottled unfined and unfiltered.

Vintage Notes

The 2024 Wayfarer wines are the product of an even, warm vintage that brought all components into balance, yielding great complexity, texture and depth. Rainfall was moderate throughout the cool winter months and into early spring, replenishing the vines without saturating the soil. Bloom occurred on schedule in late May, and warm weather continued throughout June and July, leading to even veraison during the first week of August. Harvest was also right on schedule, lasting from September 5th to the 30th. While peak temperatures throughout the growing season were above average, nighttime temperatures dipped lower than usual – the greatest diurnal shift on record at Wayfarer. This pronounced daily temperature swing developed intense flavors, bringing great character and structure to the wines, while maintaining a vibrant core of acidity. The vintage also brought more coastal wind than usual, which thickened the grape skins and focused the vines’ energy on berry development, deepening the nuance and density of the wines. Open and generous now, the 2024s will age gracefully over the next ten years.

Blocks

Clones

Dijon 667

Critics

95-97 Points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2026

The 2024 Pinot Noir ‘Paige’s Ridge’ emerges from a single block planted with Dijon clone. It is one of the few wines that is vinified in wood upright, which adds a gorgeous textural presence. Dark red/purplish fruit, menthol, new leather, pomegranate, incense, spice and blood orange flesh out effortlessly. Plush tannins wrap it all together in style.

96 Points

Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, June 2026

Pouring a bright jeweled ruby hue, the 2024 Pinot Noir Paige's Ridge is slightly volatile initially but quickly reveals Amarena cherries, black raspberries, wildflowers, tangerine oils, and finely coiled tannins. Medium-bodied, with terrific polish, refreshing acidity, and focused length, drink it over the coming 15+ years.