Tasting Notes
The soulful expression of a single “suitcase clone,” The Traveler pays homage to the legendary journey of the original vine cutting from Burgundy’s most revered vineyard. Our 2013 vintage is beguiling in its interplay of power and purity. Provocative aromas of raspberry, violet and lilac mingle with delicate notes of forest floor, juniper berry and oolong tea. The entry is luxurious and supple with flavors of ripe boysenberry and red plum, driven forward by a focused acidity that recalls cranberry and rhubarb, then ascending through an endless finish warmed with notes of vanilla bean and toasted almond. It is a wine to patiently cellar, as it will best reveal its mysteries after five to seven years in bottle and will age beautifully for another ten years beyond.
Winemaking Notes
We hand-picked and hand-sorted the fruit with all berries de-stemmed then hand-sorted again before transfer to tank. Five to seven days of cold maceration preceded more than two weeks of 100% native yeast fermentation. The fruit was then gently pressed, its free-run juice transferred to 33% new French oak barrels for 15 months of aging.
Vintage Notes
The 2013 growing season was initially noted for its 40%-below-average rainfall amidst California’s escalating drought. Ultimately, the vintage will be remembered for its intense, concentrated flavors and exceptional quality across every vineyard block. Mild spring temperatures beckoned bud break as normal on March 24th for our “suitcase clone” nestled on the steep, east-facing slope of Block 9. While a touch of gentle spring rain accelerated canopy growth, strategic shoot positioning and leaf removal afforded ideal air circulation and sun exposure for the beautifully formed clusters. Veraison began on July 28th, and we harvested this prized block on September 5th.
Blocks Map
9Clones
Wayfarer
Critics
94 Points
Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, October 31, 2017
Medium ruby colored, the 2013 Pinot Noir The Traveler (made from the “suitcase clone”) has an earthy nose of fungi, underbrush, fertile soil and moss with a core of black cherries and cloves, plus wafts of violets and pepper. Medium-bodied, the palate has a great tannic backbone with plenty of freshness cutting through the intense earth and fruit layers, finishing on a wonderful textural note.
97 Points
James Suckling, JAMESSUCKLING.COM, May 2017
This is a powerful and solid wine with amazing muscular tannin that show tone and vibe. Full body. Extremely long and beautiful in the mouth. Better in 2019.
96 Points
Doug Wilder, Purely Domestic Wine Report, March 2015
2013 Pinot Noir The Traveler is a suitcase clone from Burgundy and has a nose of dusty violet sachet, loam, cherry, graphite, and notes of sweet white peach. The palate is firm and fresh with beautiful texture and lightness with outstanding layering and balance. One more thing: This bottle sat uncorked in my office for two weeks after tasting with Bibiana awaiting recycling. I put my nose over the neck and was surprised how fresh it was. Pouring it into a glass and drinking it was indistinguishable from Day 1.
95 Points
Antonio Galloni, Vinous, January 2015
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.
Wine Data
- Winemaker:
- Bibiana González Rave
- Origin:
- Wayfarer Vineyard, Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast
- Pruning:
- Double Guyot
- Vine Yield:
- Less than 3 pounds
- Harvested:
- September 5, 2013
- Bottled:
- December 18, 2014
- Release:
- Spring 2016
- Composition:
- 100% Pinot Noir
- Alcohol:
- 14.3%
- pH:
- 3.42
- TA:
- 6.28g/l
- Cases Produced:
- 120 cases
