Jayson Pahlmeyer’s eponymous label is one of the more sought-after wines produced in the Napa Valley.After falling in love with Burgundy, and almost purchasing two grand cru vineyards, Jayson was drawn to the possibility of purchasing property in California that could emulate the best from Burgundy.His then winemaker Helen Turley took notice of a vineyard in Sonoma Coast that was just down the road from her own vineyard, and Helen understood well the extraordinary character of fruit this land could yield.The fruit was blended into the Pahlmeyer Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, but the Wayfarer Vineyard’s exceptional fruit presented an irrefutable cause for its own namesake label.Barrel fermented using 100% native yeasts, this is a majestic Chardonnay that must be tasted to truly understand its immense quality.
JEB DUNNUCK 98 POINTS – “A brilliant silver/yellow hue, the 2023 Chardonnay The Estate is fresh, pretty, and floral, with refined noes of flinty wet stones, fresh melon, citrus blossoms, lime zest, powder, and salted apples. The palate is electric and fantastic, with a hint of salty earth. Drink 2026-2040.”
ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE 95 POINTS – “From grapes harvested on September 25 and October 16, the 2023 Chardonnay The Estate is gorgeous! “Typically, you don’t talk about structure in Chardonnay, but with Wayfarer you do,” says winemaker Todd Kohn. “You have structure and salinity, and they age just as well as the Pinot Noirs.” At this early stage, it demands vigorous aerating to reveal scents of quince, peach, poached pears, panna cotta and floral perfume on the nose. The full-bodied palate is expansive and perfumed with a luxurious, satiny texture. It’s balanced by vibrant, shimmery acidity and has a tremendously long finish. It evolves dramatically in the glass and will be very long lived in the cellar. 1,224 cases were made.”
ANTONIO GALLONI 94 POINTS – “The 2023 Chardonnay The Estate is a delicate, understated wine. Shades of tangerine oil, jasmine, white pepper, chalk and bright saline notes are nicely laced together. Effusive floral and tropical overtones grace the bright, chiseled finish. The 2023 is quite attractive, but it is also on the lighter side, a reflection of the cold, late-ripening year.”
