2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir
Mother Rock

Tasting Notes

A cuvée of clones 37 and Dijon 777, this wine is named for Wayfarer’s sandstone substrate that urges our vines to burrow deeply, their fruit echoing the unlocked terrain below. Dense ruby in color, the 2013 vintage is as delicate and spirited as it is focused and powerful. The nose bounds with sexy ripe strawberry and fresh raspberry aromas followed by savory hints of raw leather, walnut burl and flint. Most stunning is the luxurious mouthfeel, plush with soft tannins and buoyant with laser-focused acidity. Flavors of blackberry cordial and fresh red cherry cascade into a long finish lifted by expansive notes of lavender oil and lightly toasted oak. Ready to enjoy upon shipment, it will age beautifully for another 7–10 years.

Winemaking Notes

We hand-picked and hand-sorted the fruit, reserving 18% for whole-cluster fermentation. The remaining berries were then de-stemmed and hand-sorted again before transfer to tank. Five to seven days of cold maceration preceded more than two weeks of 100% native yeast fermentation. The fruit was then gently pressed, its free-run juice transferred to 50% new French oak barrels for 15 months of aging.

Vintage Notes

The 2013 growing season was initially noted for its 40%-below-average rainfall amidst California’s escalating drought. However, the vintage will ultimately be remembered for its intense, concentrated flavors and exceptional quality across each vineyard block. Mild spring temperatures beckoned bud break as normal beginning on March 24th in Block 3 and Block 11. While a touch of gentle spring rain accelerated canopy growth, strategic shoot positioning and leaf removal afforded ideal air circulation and sun exposure for the beautifully formed clusters. Veraison began on July 28th, and we harvested Block 3 on September 10th and Block 11 on September 13th.

Blocks Map

Clones

37, Dijon 777