2017 Wayfarer Sonoma Coast The Traveler Pinot Noir

Yesterday, respected critic Jeb Dunnuck rated the future release of 2019 Wayfarer "Traveler" a perfect 100 points. That wine is not yet released but we are proud to offer the current release of the Wayfarer Estate Pinot Noir. Still flying under the radar, this boutique project is owned by Jayson Pahlmeyer (Founder of Pahlmeyer Winery) and the wine is made by Helen Turley who owns and operates Marcassin just next door. The winery has been gaining traction for sometime now with the huge press it will soon become a household name and difficult to source...

Reviews:
The 2017 Pinot Noir The Traveler comes from a single suitcase clone of unknown origin grown on the property. Fruit was entirely destemmed. It's pale to medium ruby-purple in color and takes its time to give aromatics of granite dust, fresh violet, blueberry, wild blackberries, dusty earth, tobacco leaf and Earl Grey tea, plus a vein of amaro and spice and hints of juicy red pomegranate. It's light to medium-bodied and absolutely lovely! Loads of floral perfume, ripe fruits, spices and earthy accents dance in the mouth, finely framed and so, so fresh, calling you in for another sip on the very long, layered finish. This is fantastic! 125 cases produced. 96 points - The Wine Advocate

From a suitcase clone, the 2017 Pinot Noir The Traveler was all destemmed and brought up in 60% new oak. It offers more candied cherries, candied violets, earth, smoked earth, and forest floor as well as a distinct salty minerality. Deep, rich, and medium to full-bodied, it fleshes out nicely in the glass, with a terrific mid-palate and a great finish. 96 points - Jeb Dunnuck

Origin of the Winery:
Wayfarer is the manifestation of a remarkable place, masterful winemaking, and the drive to go to extremes to create something truly exceptional.

After nearly 30 years as an acclaimed Napa Valley vintner Jayson Pahlmeyer became increasingly entranced by the wines of Burgundy. “Every oenophile eventually gravitates to the wines of Burgundy,” he says. In the early 1990s, Jayson began seeking out the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world.

A close friend, legendary French wine importer Martine Saunier, had located two parcels for sale in Burgundy – Clos de la Roche, a Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyard in Côte de Nuits Grand Cru, and Corton Vergennes, a Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyard in Corton. His winemaker, Helen Turley, was to make the wine with the hands-on assistance of the renowned Michel Niellon at his Chassagne-Montrachet winery. However, just after the papers were signed, the deal was nullified by an obscure Burgundian real estate clause that permitted last-minute alternative offers.

Though these iconic vineyards faded from his dreams, Jayson knew that, eventually, the perfect site would present itself. He just didn’t realize it would be six years later in the remote hills of the Sonoma Coast at a small farm called Wayfarer.