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Wayfarer Wayfarer Vineyard Chardonnay 2012
New Sonoma Coast releases from Pahlmeyer - limited. Cleo Pahlmeyer, daughter of Napa Valley's Jayson Pahlmeyer, came up with the idea of produce a stand-alone brand from the Wayfarer Vineyard on the Sonoma coast in 2012. According to the St. Helena Star, "then-Pahlmeyer winemaker Helen Turley had called the property the destined 'La Tache of California,' referring to the blessed grand cru in Burgundy." Pahlmeyer teamed up with winemaker Bibiana González Rave, formerly of Lynmar, on this project. The Star: "Indeed, the 2012 Wayfarer Vineyard Chardonnay has well-integrated oak nuances, with toastiness on the nose that expresses itself more as a complex, rich mouth feel on the palate. Pahlmeyer explained that the medium toast of the barrels used is key to maintaining balanced flavor; a heavier toast is not desired. The 2012 Wayfarer chardonnay ages in 65 percent new French oak 92 Points Antonio Galloni: "The 2012 Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard impresses for its energy and focus. Grapefruit, lemon oil, pears, chalk and white flowers all take shape in the glass. Today, the 2012 is a bit compact and closed in on itself, which is surprising for the year, even on the coast. This is a terrific first effort, though. There is every reason to think future vintages will be even better."
Ratings on Delectable
Wayfarer Vineyard
This wine emits a pale yellow-green silver glow. Wayfarer Vineyard’s cool coastal influence is evident in the wine’s complex aromatics, layered texture and impeccable balance. An interplay of citrus, orange blossom, Asian pear, white peach and flinty aromatics echoes and expands on the palate. Flavors are lifted and extended by acidity that washes over the sumptuous structure framing the expansive mid-palate. A finish of tangerine and acacia with hints of roasted almond and honeysuckle lingers in the mouth. Generous and complex, this wine will continue to evolve and open. Cellar 5-8+ years. Waiting for the perfect moment to harvest was essential in achieving aromatic intensity while maintaining the wine’s buoyant acidity. We hand-harvested in pre-dawn hours to ensure firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the wine settled for 12 to 24 hours followed by carefully-monitored racking. Our 2012 barrel program utilized 65% new French oak at medium toast levels. Cooperages include Damy, Francois Freres, Remond and Latour. Alcoholic fermentation was slow as guided by native yeasts, and lees were stirred often until malolactic fermentation was fully completed. The wine aged in barrel for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
This wine emits a pale yellow-green silver glow. Wayfarer Vineyard’s cool coastal influence is evident in the wine’s complex aromatics, layered texture and impeccable balance. An interplay of citrus, orange blossom, Asian pear, white peach and flinty aromatics echoes and expands on the palate. Flavors are lifted and extended by acidity that washes over the sumptuous structure framing the expansive mid-palate. A finish of tangerine and acacia with hints of roasted almond and honeysuckle lingers in the mouth. Generous and complex, this wine will continue to evolve and open. Cellar 5-8+ years. Waiting for the perfect moment to harvest was essential in achieving aromatic intensity while maintaining the wine’s buoyant acidity. We hand-harvested in pre-dawn hours to ensure firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery. After gentle whole-cluster pressing, the wine settled for 12 to 24 hours followed by carefully-monitored racking. Our 2012 barrel program utilized 65% new French oak at medium toast levels. Cooperages include Damy, Francois Freres, Remond and Latour. Alcoholic fermentation was slow as guided by native yeasts, and lees were stirred often until malolactic fermentation was fully completed. The wine aged in barrel for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
10Chris Morgan 
Sommelier The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Need a Fort Ross - Seaview sub for Sonoma County, Delectable!
Need a Fort Ross - Seaview sub for Sonoma County, Delectable!
Sam Klingberg
Wow.
Wow.
9.3
Rachel Macalisang
Lead Sommelier - The Bazaar by José Andrés
New project from mr pahlmeyer!
New project from mr pahlmeyer!
9.0
Nunzio Castaldo
Little bit too much oak but very interesting nose and texture
Little bit too much oak but very interesting nose and texture
8.8Paul Mabray
Founder VinTank
A beautiful chardonnay but a bit pricey. Recommended.
A beautiful chardonnay but a bit pricey. Recommended.
9.4
Oniqueh Giles
A beautiful, fruit forward Pinot Noir.
A beautiful, fruit forward Pinot Noir.
9.0Wanda Cole
delicious new world chard....
delicious new world chard....
9.1Carter Nixon
Amazing, best 2012 Sonoma chard I've yet tasted. From Pahlmeyer.
Amazing, best 2012 Sonoma chard I've yet tasted. From Pahlmeyer.
10Sam Klingberg
so money, but it totally knows it.
so money, but it totally knows it.
9.1
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