2013 Wayfarer Pinot Noir Golden Mean Fort Ross-Seaview Sonoma

WINERY NOTES

Tasting Notes Golden Mean is a union of contrasts: the earthy aromatics and powerful structure of the Pommard clone married with the elegance and alluring perfume of the Swan clone. This wine is an aromatic journey, beginning with floral notes of magnolia and lavender, leading to vibrant fruit tones of cranberry and mandarin, finishing with warm garden scents of marjoram and fresh anise. The velvet mouthfeel glides through a mid-palate rich with raspberries, rose hips and hints of black pepper and cedar. Ready to savor upon release, this wine will age beautifully for another 10-15 years.

Winemaking Notes We hand-picked and hand-sorted the fruit, reserving 35% 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 54% 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 every vineyard block. Mild spring temperatures beckoned bud break as normal beginning March 25th with the Swan Clone on the west-facing slope of Block 20. 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 26th and harvest began September 4th with Block 20 and finished with Block 22 on September 17th.