Tasting Notes
The 2023 Pinot Noir ‘Paige’s Ridge’ is a concentrated, deep ruby hue in the glass. The darkest fruit profile of the Wayfarer Block Selections, Paige’s Ridge expresses rich cherry, crushed raspberry, bruised rose petals, sweet clove and cacao nibs. A purity of fruit and savory spice notes are framed by refined tannins. Fresh acidity imbues lift and poise on the palate, creating a harmonious wine that develops with finesse and elegance.
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
Each block was picked by hand at night, and firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery before sunrise. We sorted the clusters by hand and reserved 21% for whole-cluster fermentation. The remainder of the fruit was destemmed before we transferred it into an oak cuve for six days of cold maceration. Fermentation was carried out by native yeast, and we punched the cap down by hand, with the frequency and technique determined by tasting each tank daily. The free run wine aged in 228L French oak barrels, 67% new, for 15 months prior to bottling.
Vintage Notes
Moderate and extended vintages like we experienced in 2023 are ideal for producing classically styled wines with great aging potential. The 2023 vintage began with a cool and wet spring, delaying budbreak weeks later than usual. A mild May and June extended the bloom period nearly three weeks, further delaying an already late vintage. July and August brought warmth and sunshine with above average temperatures driving berry development and ripening, before transitioning into cooler weather in September. Harvest began on September 25th and carried well into October, ending on the 16th, our latest harvest on record. The temperate yet sunny days post-veraison created beautiful flavor and tannin development while retaining freshness and compelling savory notes. The 2023 Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays shine with finesse and quiet power, truly nuanced, multi-dimensional wines.
Blocks
8Clones
Dijon 667
Critics
97 Points
James Suckling, James Suckling, February 2025
Real purity of fruit, with orange blossoms and a hint of pine resin on the nose. Medium-bodied with precise and chiseled tannins that frame the wine beautifully. Savory finish. Made from 667 clone. Love the tannins that give texture and tension. Drink or hold.
97 Points
Audrey Frick, Jeb Dunnuck, July 2025
The nose of the 2023 Pinot Noir Paige's Ridge is bright and detailed with rocky earth, red berries, raspberries, fresh floral perfume, sweet brambly herbs, and earth. It’s medium-bodied on the palate, with fantastic purity, refreshing acidity, terrific structure, and a long, balanced finish. These wines have clarity and complexity that shines brightly throughout. Drink over the coming 15 or so years.
97 Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2025
The 2023 Pinot Noir Paige’s Ridge is a powerful yet reticent wine. This is the only Pinot in the range fermented in wood. In 2023, Paige’s has a bit of stem inclusion as well. Vertical and explosive, with tons of energy, the 2023 dazzles from the start. Bright red-toned fruit, mint, white pepper, sage, and build into the intensely saline finish. Give this a few years to soften, as the tannins are quite formidable at this stage. This is a superb showing from Wayfarer.
96 Points
James Molesworth, Wine Spectator, September 2025
This just bursts forth, displaying exuberant notes of mulberry, boysenberry and raspberry puree laced liberally with rose petal, iris and hibiscus details. Its juicy grip drives the finish, which is gilded with apple wood and anise hints, along with a steadying, minerally spine. A flashy beauty. Best from 2026 through 2038. 70 cases made.
Wine Data
- Winemaker:
- Todd Kohn
- Origin:
- Wayfarer Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview
- Pruning:
- Double guyot
- Vine Yield:
- 2.7 lbs/vine
- Harvested:
- October 3, 2023
- Bottled:
- December 18, 2024
- Release:
- September 2025
- Composition:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.4%
- pH:
- 3.59
- TA:
- 5.6 g/L
- Cases Produced:
- 70
