Tasting Notes
The inaugural release of Waters Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay exhibits lifted aromatics of white peach skin, nectarine, candied Meyer lemon peel, crushed chalk and vanilla bean. On the palate, luxurious texture and exuberant acidity – characteristic of this mountaintop vineyard – culminate in a long and evolving finish.
The Waters Ranch Vineyard Chardonnay honors the first chapter of the Pahlmeyer legacy. Waters Ranch was planted by Cleo Pahlmeyer's father, Jayson Pahlmeyer, in 2000 for his eponymous wines. Today, the vineyard is under the stewardship of Cleo and her husband, Jamie Watson, and this Chardonnay is their continuation of Jayson’s bold legacy.
Designed by renowned vineyard developer David Abreu, Waters Ranch Vineyard is perched on the eastern mountain range of Napa Valley in the Atlas Peak AVA. On a mountaintop at 2,200 feet with shallow, rocky volcanic soil and sightlines to San Francisco drawing cool winds from the bay, Waters Ranch is a cool spot in the otherwise warm region, creating intense Chardonnay fruit rich in texture and vibrancy.
Winemaking Notes
Our two blocks were picked by hand in the cool pre-dawn hours, and the fruit was delivered to the winery before sunrise. We hand-sorted the clusters before transferring them into a bladder press. After gentle pressing, the juice settled for 24 hours before we carefully racked it into 228L French oak barrels, 57% new. Native yeast slowly guided alcoholic fermentation in barrel, with measured batonnage until malolactic fermentation was complete. The wine aged sur lie for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Napa Valley was very similar to the Sonoma Coast, with a late start due to cool spring weather and steady moderate temperatures throughout the season. Being further inland, Waters Ranch Vineyard experienced warmer weather in July and August than the coast, but the extreme elevation worked to maintain brilliant acidity with cooler temperatures while providing intense sunlight for flavor development and structure.
Critics
95 Points
Audrey Frick , Jeb Dunnuck, July 2025
Coming from Atlas Peak from their family estate in Napa, the nose of the 2023 Chardonnay Ways Of Wayfarer is lifted and bright with zesty lime citrus, white pepper, flint, bright green apples, and fresh flowers. Full-bodied, it remains pure and ripe but has lovely purity, with a note of bright candied green apple fruit. It’s a lovely new addition to the range. Drink now or over the coming 6-8 years.
95 Points
James Suckling, James Suckling, February 2025
Aromas of green pine needles, lemons, limes and seashells. Medium-bodied with crunchy fruit and a flavorful finish. Just a hint of pie crust. High-altitude chardonnay from vineyards at 670 meters. Drink or hold.
94 Points
Erin Brooks, Wine Advocate, August 2025
2023 is the inaugural vintage of Ways of Wayfarer, a new label for grapes sourced outside of Wayfarer’s Estate Vineyard in Cazadero. The 2023 Ways of Wayfarer Chardonnay Waters Ranch Vineyard comes from vines in Atlas Peak planted in 2000 by Cleo’s father, Jayson Pahlmeyer. It opens slowly on the nose, segueing from white peach, panna cotta, spring honey and cashew to nuances of jasmine and spice. The full-bodied palate pairs ripe, peachy flavors with well-integrated new oak character from its maturation in 60% new French oak (a bit more than is used on the Wayfarer Chardonnay). Its mouth-coating texture is foiled by bright acidity, and it has a long, flavorful finish. It offers the power and luxury of California Chardonnay without going over the top.
Wine Data
- Winemaker:
- Todd Kohn
- Origin:
- Waters Ranch Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley
- Pruning:
- Cordon
- Harvested:
- September 21, 2023
- Bottled:
- December 18, 2024
- Release:
- Summer 2025
- Alcohol:
- 14.3%
- pH:
- 3.37
- TA:
- 6.1 g/L
- Cases Produced:
- 170
