Wayfarer Vineyard, located on the remote Sonoma Coast, was planted by David Abreu in 2002. In 2005, Jayson Pahlymeyer started blending Wayfarer Pinot Noir and Chardonnay with fruit from Russian River Vineyards and bottling it under the Pahlmeyer label. By 2012, the vineyard’s exceptional fruit presented an irrefutable case for a namesake label. Jayson’s daughter, Cleo Pahlmeyer, runs the estate and Bibiana González Rave is in charge of winemaking.
I was fortunate to try some of the wineries new releases.
2014 Wayfarer Chardonnay – Bright gold in color. 14.5% ABV. Sublime nose of Meyer lemons, hazelnuts and brioche. Rich and creamy with perfect acidity. Flavors of honeysuckle, peach and apple with just a touch of minerality. The finish is crisp and lingers on the palate. Absolutely stunning Chardonnay. Drink over the next 4-6 years. $80 at the winery. My rating: 95 points.
2014 Wayfarer Pinot Noir – Bright red in color. 14.5% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, pine needle, baking spice and forest floor. Smooth as silk on the palate with mouth watering acidity. Flamboyant and fruit forward flavors of cherry, strawberry and cranberry. The finish is exceptionally long. A big, bold Pinot Noir with enough nuance and complexity to make things really compelling. Fantastic wine. Drink over the next 5-7 years. $90 at the winery. My rating: 94 points.
There is much to like here. Great people, exceptional wines and an impeccable vineyard. I’ll be looking to add future vintages of Wayfarer to my wine cellar.
Reviews based on samples provided by the winery.
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