2017 Wayfarer Pinot Noir - Wayfarer Vineyard

Tasting Notes

This cuvée of 12 Pinot Noir clones, from our estate on the rugged Sonoma Coast, exhibits deep ruby and garnet color in the glass. Aromas of raspberry, strawberry, spiced cherry pie and stone fruit mingle with delicate floral notes of rose petal and violet, grounded by hints of forest floor and accented by flinty mineral notes. Bright raspberry characters on the palate are balanced by crisp acidity and delicate tannins. Notes of dark chocolate, tamarind, and powdery earth linger on the finish. This elegant wine will continue to develop complexity in the bottle over the next 10 years.

Winemaking Notes

We handpicked the fruit from each vine and delivered the 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 58% new French oak from cooperages including François Frères, Rousseau, and Remond 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 leading into May. This allowed for steady growth in the vines and a consistent bloom, beginning 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 July, and brought the beginning of veraison on August 2nd. This warmth continued throughout August, bringing forth nice texture in the fruit.

Harvest began at Wayfarer on September 6th, with block 6. As harvest continued through September, the temperatures became cooler, allowing the vines to gradually ripen. Not wanting to rush the vines, we patiently waited and wrapped up harvest in early October.

Blocks

3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26A, 30

Clones

115, 667, Pommard 4, Pommard 5, Swan, Hirsch, Hyde, 37, Bacigalupi Old Wente, 777, Wayfarer

Critics

95 Points

Jeb Dunnuck, JebDunnuck.com, August 2019

“The largest production cuvée based on a mix of clones, the 2017 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard was mostly de-stemmed and spent 15 months in 50-60% new French oak. It reveals a bright ruby-tinged color and offers a feminine style in its notes of raspberries, flowers, rose hips, and spice. It’s fine, incredibly elegant, has fine tannins, and just glides over the palate.”

94 Points

Antonio Galloni, Vinous, September 2019

The 2017 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard is a blend of all the parcels on the property. Pliant, supple and engaging with no hard edges, the 2017 will drink well with minimal cellaring. Sweet floral and spice notes add perfume to a core of ripe red berry fruit. This supple, mid-weight Pinot has so much to offer. Today, it is absolutely delicious, not to mention incredibly inviting. I have a feeling the 2017 has a lot still to say, so I won't be surprised if it is event better in another few years' time.

94 Points

Virginie Boone, Wine Enthusiast, September 2019

"Smoky oak lies beneath thick tangy red fruit laced in high-toned acidity that takes on a quality of citrus in this bold and beautiful estate wine. Full bodied, with plenty of power, it displays remarkable grace that contrasts and complements the firm structured tannin."