2024 Wayfarer WF2 Rosé

Tasting Notes

WF2 wines show the fresh, approachable character of our estate vineyard.  Blended from barrels chosen for their liveliness, generous fruit, supple texture and less new oak influence, these wines are perfect for enjoying young while waiting for your Wayfarer wines to age. They possess a true sense of place, outstanding quality and exceptional value.

A delicate pale pink in the glass, the 2024 WF2 Rosé exhibits spirited aromas of red raspberry, crisp watermelon, Rainier cherry and blood orange peel. A rush of vibrant acidity makes for a refreshing entry, balanced by lively red berry fruit and finishing with a satisfying streak of minerality. The 2024 Rosé is well-suited for immediate enjoyment but can cellar for a few years if desired.

Winemaking Notes

The Pinot Noir grapes were hand-picked at night to preserve freshness and delivered to the winery before sunrise. We hand-sorted and destemmed the fruit before fermenting the juice in neutral 228L French oak barrels.  The wine aged sur lie for three months prior to bottling.

Vintage Notes

2024 was an exceptionally even and consistent vintage.  Rainfall was moderate throughout the winter and into early spring, replenishing the vines without saturating the soil.  Bloom occurred on schedule in late May and mild weather continued throughout June and July, leading to even verasion during the first week of August. Interestingly, 2024 had the greatest diurnal temperature shift on record at Wayfarer. Peak temperatures throughout the growing season were roughly average, while nighttime temperatures dipped lower than usual. This pronounced daily temperature swing allowed the fruit to maintain vibrant acidity while developing deep and intense flavors, bringing great character and structure to the finished wines. Additionally, 2024 brought more wind than usual, which thickened the grape skins, helped retain acidity, and focused the vines on berry development and phenological ripeness.  Harvest was also on schedule, beginning September 5th and completed by the end of the month.  The 2024 wines are the product of an even, uneventful vintage that brought all components into perfect balance, melding into sophisticated wines of great complexity, texture and depth.