Wayfarer Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley Pinot Noir 2012

Limited new release from Pahlmeyer's new Sonoma Coast vineyard.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: "The 2012 Wayfarer Vineyard Pinot Noir has aromas of sweet cinnamon crumble and red cherries, and leads to an elegant, medium-bodied sip of juicy, ripe red cherries with a touch of spice.95 Points Antonio Galloni:  "Dark cherries, red stone fruits, menthol, flint and sweet spices all race out of the glass as the 2012 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard shows off its personality. Exotic and vibrant on the palate, the 2012 dazzles from the very first taste. The combination of sumptuous fruit and Sonoma Coast minerality is simply compelling. What a beautiful wine this is. The 2012 is power and class personified." 94 Points Robert Parker: "The 2012 Pinot Noir Wayfarer Vineyard possesses a dense ruby/plum/purple color as well as beautiful aromas of sweet blueberries, blackcurrants, and black cherries intermixed with a foresty component. With a stunning, full-bodied texture, terrific purity and length, sweet, velvety tannin and a plush finish, this hedonistic as well as intellectually satisfying, complex Pinot Noir can be consumed over the next 8-12 years."

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