More than 15 years after being discovered by Helen Turley, the brand was born in 2014, bearing the name of the vineyard, Wayfarer, and is a premium Chardonnay and Pinot Noir wine.
20 blocks and 11 different clones give it a variety of complex flavors. After thorough selection, the grapes are left to soak for 5-7 days at low temperature, and then fermented for about 2 weeks using only natural yeast. The wine is gently pressed and aged for 15 months in French barrels (53% new barrels). The wine has lively aromas and flavors of red cherries and berries, with a strong presence of acidity and minerals, and silky tannins that intertwine with nuances of vanilla from the barrels. The Sonoma Coast characteristics are expressed in a gorgeous way.
The 20 blocks, divided according to soil, climate, sunlight, slope, clone, and age of the vines, and the 11 different clones give the wines a variety of complex flavors.
Vintage Information
About the 2019 Vintage: Plenty of rain fell during the winter of 2019, keeping the soil well-hydrated and allowing the vines to store energy.
The buds sprouted a little late, and flowering was a little later than usual, but fruit is coming out well.
The summer was a period of fine weather, with temperatures never exceeding 28°C even on the hottest days in this field on the northern Sonoma Coast, and although it was cool, there was plenty of sunshine.
The long, ideal ripening period typical of Sonoma Coast has resulted in grapes with complex aromas and a supple mouthfeel.
Harvesting began on September 13th, four days earlier than the previous year, and was carried out in several phases, carefully checking the timing of ripening within each block, finishing on October 5th.
The grapes were harvested at a good level of maturity while retaining bright acidity.
Technical information
Clones:Bacigalupi Old Wente, Dijion 115, 667, 777, Hirsh, Hyde Old Wente, Mount Eden, Pommard 4, 5, Swan, Wayfarer
Tailoring: Double Guyot
The 20 blocks, divided according to soil, climate, sunlight, slope, clone, and age of the vines, and the 11 different clones give the wines a variety of complex flavors.
Harvesting and vinification: After confirming that each block and each row is fully ripe, the grapes are harvested in small batches. Sorting is carried out thoroughly in the field and at the winery.
The grapes are harvested early in the morning and transported to the winery while still cold. They are then sorted, and only 4% are fermented whole-cluster, while the other clusters are de-stemmed. The grapes are then sorted before being placed in the tanks.
After soaking at low temperature for 5 to 7 days, the wine is fermented using only natural yeast for about 2 weeks.
The wine is gently pressed and the resulting wine is aged for 15 months in French barrels (François Frères, Rousseau, Lemond/53% new barrels).
Production volume: 1,750 cases
Tasting Comments
The individuality of the 11 different clones is clearly expressed and harmonizes to create a unique character that is different from that of a single vineyard.
Aromas of violets, lavender and red berries rise from the glass, with hints of cherry, plum, dried herbs and fennel.
It has a silky mouthfeel, ample body, a creamy finish and lively acidity that gives the wine a beautiful tension.
The overall cohesion and completeness is superb, combining both power and finesse.
To enjoy now, we recommend uncorking and decanting early.
It can also be aged for up to 15 years.
Vintage: 2019
Capacity: 750ml
Type: Red wine
Taste: Medium bodied
Main variety: 100% Pinot Noir
Country of Origin: America
Region Name: California
Ava: Sonoma
Field: Wayfarer
Notes: Parker Point 95P Wine Advocate dated June 2021 by Erin Brooks
Winemaker: Todd Kohn
Winemaking: 4% whole bunch ratio, cold soaking for 5-7 days, natural yeast fermentation
Aging: 15 months in French barrels (53% new barrels)
Rating: 90P or above
Cap: Cork
Alcohol content: 14.5%