Wayfarer Vineyard

Articles About Wayfarer Vineyard

Reviewed Wines

2019 Wayfarer Wayfarer Estate Vineyard WF2 Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 600 cases, $45. The value bottling from Wayfarer. Inaugural vintage. Aged 10 months in 30% new French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. I drank a glass at Willi’s Seafood Restaurant in Healdsburg in mid-July ($18) and was impressed. Welcoming aromas of boysenberry and spice followed by mid-weight flavors that echoed the nose. A refreshing acid spine and suede tannins add up to immediate drinkability. A high-quality, everyday Pinot Noir. Score: 92. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2019 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort-Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $90. Composed of 11 clones found in the vineyard. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Shy aromas of boysenberry, blackberry and tilled wet earth. Forward drinking with considerable charm, offering a mid-weight array of purple and black berry fruits that have good freshness and intensity. The balance is admirable, creating a welcoming drinking experience. Score: 93. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Wayfarer Golden Mean Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $125. Pommard and Swan clones. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Demure aromas of blackberry, spice and toasty oak. A plethora of dark red and black fruits are framed by a compliment of oak. Shy but very suave with minimal tannins and a modest tug of acidity. The least expressive wine in the 2019 lineup initially but more inviting when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle yet the aromas remain subdued. Cellaring or decanting is advised. Score: 93. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Wayfarer Mother Rock Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $125. Clones 37 (Mt Eden) and 777 planted in the shallowest soil in the vineyard. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Alluring aromas of black cherry pie filling, cola and dark red rose petal. Seductively spicy with a roseate bent on the palate in a mid-weight style. Vibrant fruit flavors of dark cherry and boysenberry fill the mouth with goodness and are engaged with harmonious tannins and acidity. A departing black cherry high note is persistent and memorable. Truly, a reference wine for true Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir. Score: 96. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Wayfarer Paige’s Ridge Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $125. Sourced from clone 667 that is planted on the steepest slope of the eastern edge of the vineyard. · Dark garnet color in the glass. Reserved but pleasant aromas of purple and black berries, matcha tea, spice and vanilla. Very polished in the mouth, with mid-weight flavors of blackberry, black cherry, anise and an underlying earthiness. Great harmony with suave fine-grain tannins and a persistent finish. The nose was much more aromatic when the wine was tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2019 Wayfarer The Traveler Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $150. A block of suitcase clone that pays homage to the journey of the original vine cuttings from Burgundy. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Highly perfumed with aromas of dark Bing cherry, black raspberry, vanillin and a floral lift. The nose is flat-out glorious over time. Luscious black cherry, purple grape and purple berry fruit flavors are enhanced by a riff of spice. Easily approachable with wonderful balance and an extremely long and sleek finish. Score: 95. Reviewed April 24, 2022 ARTICLE »

2018 Wayfarer Wayfarer Estate Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

The winery’s flagship bottling composed of all 12 clones in the vineyard. Mostly de-stemmed, aged 15 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. This wine takes a few hours to reveal itself and then fills the mouth with overreaching flavors of cherry and spice, revealing considerable staying power on the grand finish. A touch of earthiness grounds the wine. The tannins are modest, the texture is silken and the overall harmony is impressive. Really superb when tasted the following day from a previously opened bottle. A veritable winegasm. Score: 96. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2016 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.28, 725 cases, $80. Berlenbach Old Wente, Hyde Old Wente, Mt Eden, Dijon 95. Whole cluster gently pressed, barrel fermented and aged in French oak barrels, 76% new. Native yeasts slowly guided alcoholic fermentation, with careful lees stirring until malolactic fermentation completion. Aged 15 months and bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. An exceptional, connoisseur’s wine that leads with aromas of lemon, pineapple, salt air, wet stones and the slightest matchstick. Slightly creamy in the mouth, with flavors of lemon wafer and pineapple. Easy to cozy up to with a modicum of oak overlay. Keeps giving the longer it opens in the glass. Score: 94. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.55, 1,500 cases, $90. Grapes are picked and delivered to the winery before sunrise, then hand-sorted and de-stemmed before transferring to tank. 5 to 7-day cold soak followed by more than two weeks of native fermentation. Free-run juice was aged in French oak barrels, 44% for 15 months. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Everything you can ask for in a Pinot Noir, with lovely aromas of cherry, raspberry, dark rose petal and sous-bois. A cornucopia of up-front pleasure in a mid weight style, featuring earth-kissed flavors of black cherry and black raspberry and a hint of racy spice, framed by comforting tannins. Velvety in the mouth with an appealing cut of acidity on the extremely long, peacock tail finish. A celestial wine with the balance to achieve immortality. Score: 97. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Golden Mean Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 515 cases. Pommard and Swan clones. · The nose is currently more oak infused with aromas of spice and vanillin. More fruity on the palate with muscular tannins, and sweet oak dancing in the background. A very sappy, dark fruited mid palate carries over on the intense finish. Score: 91-93. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Golden Mean Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. Pommard and Swan clones, estate grown. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. I was enthralled with the nose on this wine, offering hi-tone aromas of earthy black fruits, sous-bois and mocha that were persistent. Both mature purple and black berry fruits form the essence of this mid weight plus wine that is impeccably balanced with a soothing velvety texture and a polished demeanor. The wine speaks to you with open arms: “Take me.” December 2016. Score: 94. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Mother Rock Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., 335 cases. Clones are Mt Eden and Dijon 777. · Very sexy perfume of dark red berries and cherries with a lovely spice and floral accent. The deep red fruits really demand attention in this well structured mid weight plus styled wine that offers considerable textural interest. Balance is spot on, the finish is noticeably generous, and the wine has a very streamlined demeanor. Score: 92-94. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Mother Rock Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.3% alc.. A blend of clones 37 and 777. Named for the vineyard’s sandstone substrate that fractures into sandy loam. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep aromas of black fruit compote. This wine is still monolithic and unyielding, opening some in the glass to reveal mid weight plus flavors of black cherry, blueberry-pomegranate and spice framed by muscular tannins. Much more aromatic and friendly when tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine definitely needs decanting or a few more years in the cellar. December 2016. Score: 93. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Paige’s Ridge Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.8% alc., 43 cases. Dijon clone 667. Fermented in a wood tank and aged in two new barrels. · The nose opens slowly in the glass to reveal enticing aromas of black cherry, boysenberry, woodlands and spice. A gorgeous mid weight plus core of dark fruit greets the palate. A bit rustic and earthy, with a hint of thiols and firmly defined tannins. After the wine was decanted and re-tasted, more fruit expression was evident. Score: 90-92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Paige’s Ridge Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.8% alc.. Clone 667, estate grown. Named after Jason Pahlmeyer’s wife Paige. · Dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas of black fruits, damp earth and underbrush lead to a mid weight plus offering that is flat-out delicious. Layers of invigorating black cherry and blackberry fruit are tempered by honed tannins combined with enough acidity to elevate the prodigious sap. A deft touch of oak seasoning adds interest. A harmonious wine with a generous finish that is beautifully crafted in a bold California style. Yes, it is excessive, but so what. December 2016. Score: 94. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer The Traveler Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 195 cases. A suitcase selection. 0% whole cluster. · The most closed wine. Much more expressive after the wine was decanted. The nose is rather primary, offering scents of rose petal, spice, woodland path and oak dust. A charge of glorious blackberry, blueberry and pomegranate flavors are framed by mature tannins. Very sleek and soft in the mouth, with good natural acidity and a very lengthy finish. Score: 92-94. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer The Traveler Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.1% alc.. A single suitcase selection. Estate grown. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring aromas of blackberry and cassis. Considerably more open than last tasting in May 2016, offering a gorgeous core of discreetly concentrated, well-spiced black cherry and blackberry fruits that are broad in the mouth and display freshness, vibrancy and juiciness. This beauty is very harmonious and giving, finishing with unbelievable length and generosity, and deserves an ovation. December 2016. Score: 95. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 815 cases, $N/A. Estate grown. Four clones planted in Goldridge soil. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Riveting aromas of lemon, honey, vanilla, buttery brioche and a hint of salinity. Very classy, with satisfying richness, featuring flavors of lemon-lime and grapefruit, without ripe tropical tones. The wine exhibits deft integration of oak and a mouthwatering finish that has a briny hint of the sea. Score: 93. Reviewed June 19, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay

14.5% alc., 815 cases. 6 blocks planted on 6 acres to 4 clones. Barrel fermented and aged in 65% new French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Slight reduction flinty note that is appealing. Engaging aromas of lemon oil, baked apple, honey, lees and subtle butter note. Very slightly creamy on the palate with delicious flavors of lemon, pear and white peach, accented with a fleur-de-sel-infused acidity. Score: 93-95. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 1,020 cases. Free run juice only. A quality barrel selection. · The nose releases its charms slowly in the glass, evolving into a very engaging mix of cherry and spice aromas. The silky mouthfeel is immediately satisfying in this mid weight plus wine offering intense flavors of blackberry and cassis. Juicy acidity lends vibrancy and tempered tannins make for more approachability. The most open and giving of the wines tasted on this date in May 2016. Score: 91-93. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc.. Estate grown. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Demure, but pleasing aromas of black cherry, blackberry and woodland spice. Silky in the mouth with striking flavors of black cherry and blackberry framed by firm but not imposing tannins. Very good juiciness on the finish. The least extracted wine in the lineup and the most approachable. December 2016. Score: 91. Reviewed January 16, 2017 ARTICLE »

2014 Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., Magnum. · Very pleasant aromas of darkest cherry, cassis, barnyard and a hint of volatile acidity. Mid-weight plus in sappiness with an array of well-ripened, sweet fruit flavors including black plum, blackberry and raisin. A husky Pinot Noir loaded with luscious fruit but lacking in nuance. Score: 91. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “Wayfarer Vineyard” Fort Ross-Seaview Chardonnay

14.5% alc., $80. 4 clones. Unfined and unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. Wonderful aromatic purity featuring scents of lemon curd, pineapple, marzipan and a hint of oak vanillin. This wine really makes a statement on the palate with a delicious array of citrus flavors augmented with notes of honey, caramel and vanilla. The flavors surprisingly build in intensity in the mouth, climaxing in an extended lemon drop party. Complimenting the gorgeous fruit core, there is a steely and saline-infused acidity in the background that gifts the wine crispness and vibrancy. A stunning wine that spectacularly fulfills the promise of the West Sonoma Coast. Score: 98. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “Wayfarer Vineyard” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5%, $90. 30 acres, 2 coastal ridges from the Pacific Ocean, Goldridge soils. A blend of 12 clones. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Very ripe berry and stone fruits on the nose with a hint of dark chocolate in the background. Satiny smooth on the palate, with a luxurious core of sweet black cherry and black raspberry fruits that are nicely spiced. Very expressive on the mid palate with a refreshing citrus-driven finish. Score: 90-91. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “Golden Mean” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., $115. Pommard and Swan clones. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Deep cherry aromas with added notes of earthy flora and dark mocha. Full-bodied attack of haunting black cherry and blackberry fruits married to a compliment of oak and finishing incredibly long. This wine has the longest finish of any Wayfarer Pinot Noir in this vintage, lasting over two minutes!. There is a favorable acid spine which adds vibrancy to the decadent fruit. The superlatives continued when tasted 2 days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle: rich, plush, ripe, cushy tannins, and a spectacular finish. My only nit is a hint of warmth on the finish. Score: 92-93. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “Mother Rock” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $115. Named for the sandstone substrate in this part of the vineyard. Clones 37 (Mt. Eden) and 777. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Somewhat muted nose that opens slowly over time in the glass to reveal aromas of Bing cherry, boysenberry and blackberry. Gorgeous flavor and finish in this mid weight plus wine featuring tastes of blackberry, ollaliberry, spice and gentle oak. Exquisite balance, supple tannins and a huge, generous finish that is dope. When tasted 2 days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was still slightly muted, but the voluptuous fruit flavors bowled me over. Score: 93-94. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “Paige’s Ridge” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., $115. Named for Jason Pahlmeyer’s spouse Paige. Clone 667 grown on an eastern ridge. · Highly aromatic, with bright scents of black cherry, black raspberry, black tea and sous-bois. Soft in the mouth with a pleasing attack and finish, featuring mid weight flavors of black cherry and purple berries framed by integrated tannins. A little dark chocolate, earthiness and spice adds interest. The finish is expansive and persistent with a lively cut of acidity. When tasted two days later from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the aromas persisted, as did the pleasing flavor richness. On the negative side, the fruit is more ripe than I prefer and a bit of heat shows up in the background. Score: 89-90. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2013 Wayfarer “The Traveler” Fort Ross-Seaview Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $150. Made from a Burgundy suitcase clone. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Inviting perfume of black cherry, blackberry and earthy flora, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass and holding forth even 2 days after opening. Very saucy, yet intriguing, with an array of sappy darker fruits that are refined and classy. The wine is quite young, even slightly brooding, but is clearly a tuxedo wine that has tremendous upside potential. A bit of earthiness and mushroom flavors are among the nuances. The finish is particular notable for its refreshing lift. Clearly the best Wayfarer Pinot Noir in this vintage. Score: 94-95. Reviewed July 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “Wayfarer Vineyard” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.5% alc., pH 3.41, TA 0.59, 660 cases, $80. Dijon 95 clone, and Berlenbach Old Wente, Hyde Old Wente and Mount Eden selections. Aged 15 months in 65% new French oak with frequent lees stirring until malolactic fermentation was completed. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate lemon yellow color and clear in the glass. The enticing aromatics featuring lemon, baked apple, pear, buttery brioche and flint fill the glass. On the palate, the experience can be likened to biting into a crisp Golden Delicious apple. Notes of white-fleshed fruits, lemon curd and nutty oak add interest to the captivating flavor profile. The mouth feel is full, polished and slightly viscous, the acidity is sound, and the finish lingers on with saturating goodness. The overall impression is one of harmony and vibrancy. Score: 93. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “Wayfarer Vineyard” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.60, 780 cases, $90. A blend of 12 Pinot Noir clones and selections. 8% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in 78% new French oak. · Moderately deep reddish purple hue in the glass. Aromatically alive with scents of cherry, raspberry, spice box, sous-bois, and rose petal that hold up over time in the glass. The mid weight core of dark red cherry and raspberry, blueberry and pomegranate has noticeable richness and ripeness, and is accented with oak-driven toast and anise. Very soft on the palate with modestly firm tannins and some finishing length to the oak-kissed fruit. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the nose was very sexy with bright aromas of sweet cherry, rose and violet and the texture was dreamy soft. Approachable now, but there is certainly no hurry. Score: 92. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “Golden Mean” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., 250 cases, $115. Pommard 4 & 5 clone, and Swan selection. 10% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in 80% new French oak. · Moderate dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is totally seductive, offering a luxurious melding of aromas of fresh cherry, berry, herbs, sous-bois, rose petal and subtle oak. It is easy to find superlatives for this luscious wine. It has a little more sap and structure than “The Wayfarer” bottling, but retains a silky elegance that is charming. The flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, spice and earthy flora are framed by a seamless integration of smooth tannin and spicy oak. The finish is notable for its expansive, intense and lengthy presence. Score: 93. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “Mother Rock” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.59, 400 cases, $115. Clone 37 (Mount Eden) and Dijon 777 co-fermented. 24% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in 56% new French oak. This wine is named for Wayfarer’s sandstone substrate. · Moderately deep reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is highly expressive, picking up interest and intensity over time in the glass. Aromas of fresh raspberries, cherries and strawberries are glass filling, accented with very subtle spice and vanilla. The mid palate attack is rich and satisfying with mid weight flavors of red berries and plum carrying the charge through a generous finish. This wine has very complimentary integration of oak, the balance is spot on, and the texture is soft and luxurious. I was completely seduced by the mouthfeel which sets this wine apart from all the Wayfarer wines in this tasting. Still delightful the next day when tasted from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “Paige’s Ridge” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.55, TA 0.62, 140 cases, $115. This wine is named for Jayson Pahlmeyer’s spouse Paige. Dijon 667 clone. 20% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in 17% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Aromatically reserved upon opening, slowly releasing its charms over time in the glass, revealing aromas of red, blue and black berries, cherries, sois-bois, and vanilla. The strawberry, raspberry and cherry fruits are notable but a bit overshadowed by the prominent role of French oak and the wine’s firm tannic backbone. The citrus-imbued and fruit-charged finish is noticeably more robust over time in the glass. This is a young wine that has not been released and currently lacks the nuances that it undoubtedly will display with more time in the bottle, and may warrant a higher score in the future. Score: 90. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer Mother Rock Wayfarer Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.3% alc., $115. Named for Wayfarer Vineyard’s sandstone substrate, this wine is a blend of clones 37 and Dijon 777. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Soaring aromas of blackberry jam, cassis and ripest strawberry. A boisterous wine on the palate, with exhilarating flavors of blackberry and black raspberry that attack with purpose, fill the mid palate with expansive resolve, and dance mightily on a finish that goes on and on. Even better the next day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle when spice nuances appeared to embellish the fruit. Easy to run out of superlatives for this one. Score: 97. Reviewed June 18, 2016 ARTICLE »

2012 Wayfarer “The Traveler” Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.5% alc., pH 3.56, TA 0.62, 170 cases, $150. A single “suitcase clone” from Burgundy’s most revered vineyard. 22% whole cluster fermentation. Aged 15 months in 63% new French oak. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The intriguing nose is embellished by the whole cluster, offering an array of scents including dark berries, rose petal, sous-bois, and oak-driven spice and vanilla. The mid weight boysenberry, raspberry, plum and red currant flavors are satisfying on their own, but added notes of savory herbs and floral nuance bring the wine up a notch. This beauty has a touch more body and intensity than the “Wayfarer Vineyard” bottling, with more finishing length. Tannins are well managed. Though a bit reticent, I was able to discover more subtleties over time in the glass, and the wine was considerably more expressive the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This wine has not been released and understandably so, but there is much to look forward to. Score: 93-94. Reviewed October 20, 2014 ARTICLE »