A blend of nine plots in the vineyard. The grapes are harvested on a cool night, gently pressed without destemming, and left to sit naturally for 12-24 hours. The wine is fermented and aged for 15 months in French barrels (58% new) using only natural yeast. The wine has excellent acidity influenced by the cold coast, layered citrus and white flower aromas, and a mineral feel, resulting in a well-focused finish.
The Chardonnay is blended with grapes that were grafted onto Pinot Noir rootstocks from two blocks of vines planted by David Abreu in 2002 (rare for Sonoma) in 2016, which Abreu determined were more suitable for Chardonnay.
The grapes from this plot offer fresh orange blossom, jasmine, toasted almonds and candied lemon peel notes, along with good acidity and wet, stony minerality.
Wayfarer has nine Chardonnay plots scattered throughout its own vineyards.
They are classified according to soil, climate, sunlight, slope, clone, age of the tree, etc.
Of these nine, the grapes are harvested in smaller batches depending on the vintage, depending on their degree of ripeness.
The diversity of grapes in each block gives the wine complex depth.
Vintage Information
About the 2021 Vintage: 2021 was dry and warm throughout the growing season, resulting in powerful and harmonious grapes. Although 2021 was the lowest rainfall ever recorded at Wayfarer Vineyards, at 500mm compared to the 1,650mm average annual rainfall, water stored in the reservoir was sufficient to irrigate the vines throughout the season. An unusually dry and warm winter led to early bud break, which continued throughout the season. Dry and warm weather continued through the spring and summer, with no sudden temperature spikes. This consistency and abundant sunshine allowed for even ripening throughout the vineyard. Growth was good, resulting in an ideal harvest period, with all the fruit being picked at the right time and each block being delivered to the winery in good condition.
Technical information
Clones: Berlenbach Old Wente, Dijon 95, Hyde, Mount Eden
Tailoring: Double Guyot
Winemaking: The grapes are harvested on a cool night and brought to the winery cold. They are gently pressed without destemming and left to sit naturally for 24 hours (under strict temperature and condition control). The wine is then fermented and aged in French barrels (58% new) using only natural yeasts.
From alcoholic fermentation to the end of malolactic fermentation, the wine is carefully batonnaged (stirring the lees to dissolve the umami components) and then aged for 15 months.
Bottled without artificial fining or filtering.
Production volume: 1,110 cases
Tasting Comments
The 2021 Chardonnay perfectly combines power and elegance. Aromas of almond, jasmine, ginger and lemon meringue pie burst from the glass. On the palate, citrus, lemongrass and toasted brioche combine with tropical notes and stone fruit nuances. Lively acidity, full-bodiedness and impressive minerality characterize this wine. It finishes with an impressive, persistent finish. It will age gracefully for many years.
evaluation
Parker Point 98P, Wine Advocate June 2023 by Erin Brooks
"The 2021 Chardonnay is so delightfully good, you'll hesitate to drink it! It has aromas of ripe peach, honey, candied citrus, and allspice. The medium-bodied taste spreads on the palate with a luxurious softness. It has a concentrated flavor and powerful liquor quality, but it is balanced with bright acidity and has a very long finish."
Vintage: 2021
Capacity: 750ml
Type: White wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Chardonnay
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
Ava: Sonoma
Field: Wayfarer
Notes: Parker Point 98P, Wine Advocate June 2022 by Erin Brooks
Winemaker: Todd Kohn
Brewing: Fermented and aged in French barrels (58% new barrels), natural yeast fermentation
Aging: Aged 15 months, bottled unfiltered and unfined
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.4%