2022 Wayfarer Golden Mean Pinot Noir [D95][V95][JD94][WA93][WS93]

Producer: Wayfarer  
Region: Fort Ross-Seaview, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California
Varietal: Pinot Noir  
Year: 2022 

Decanter, 95 Points 

"The Wayfarer vineyard is planted to 10 different Pinot Noir clones in Fort Ross Seaview, all Goldridge soils. The vines are 20 years old at this point, and irrigation is used sparingly. This comes from two west-facing blocks but is a clonal bottling of Pommard and Swan clones. Pommard provides lots of texture and structure, and the Swan is low-yielding, aromatic, and elegant. It's one of the lighter-bodied Pinots from Wayfarer, with many earth-driven aromatics and red fruits—rich raspberry and strawberry fruits and dark earthen tones. There's plenty of savoury there and hints of the Pacific's saline character. Being two ridgelines in the Wayfarer wines, they have a ripeness well balanced by the wine's bright acids." 

Vinous, 95 Points 

"Bright and sculpted, with terrific energy, the 2022 sizzles with tension. Crushed flowers, sweet red/purplish fruit, mint, chalk, and crushed rocks abound. This nervy, taut Pinot is terrific. The 2022 is understated and beautifully precise, with tons of definition and fine persistence." 

Jeb Dunnuck, 94 Points 

"A youthful ruby magenta color, the 2022 Pinot Noir Golden Mean is exuberant and fresh in the glass with notes of wild raspberries, fresh violets, forest herbs, and elegant spice. Medium-bodied, it’s very appealing now, with refined tannins, clean, fresh acidity, and a long, tapered finish. It’s highly elegant and charming, with a clean feel all the way through and a lot of longevity ahead. Drink 2024-2036." 

Wine Advocate, 93 Points 

"The 2022 Pinot Noir Golden Mean has aromas of wild berry fruit, tea leaves, mushrooms, dusty earth and spice, becoming more expressive as it opens in the glass. The medium-bodied palate is soft and juicy with earth-laced fruit and a long, spicy finish." 

Wine Spectator, 93 Points 

"An enticing, fruit-driven style, with delicious red and black cherry compote notes dotted with anise, black tea and singed apple wood. Flows nicely through the caressing finish, with a late echo of iris adding good range and lift. Drink now through 2034." 

Winemaker Notes: 

"Golden Mean is a philosophical term which explores the harmonious middle-ground between two opposite ideals. As a striking juxtaposition of two distinctive yet contrasting clonal selections of Pinot Noir, Swan and Pommard, this cuvée typifies the concept perfectly. The 2022 Pinot Noir ‘Golden Mean’ presents perfumed notes of fresh rose petals, ripe cranberries and a touch of crushed violets from the Swan clone, complimented by darker Pommard aromas of Amarena cherries and just-ripe plums with hints of sandalwood, blood orange peel and sweet clove. A luxurious and velvety texture is perfectly balanced with bright acidity and framed with polished tannins, culminating in an expansive, supple finish." 

Alcohol: 14.3% 

*Discounts do not apply to items like this one in the Fine & Rare category. Price and availability in store may vary.