Wayfarer Mother Rock Pinot Noir 2023

Full bodied and mellow Pinot with a dark, garnet hue. The nose is marked by by rich fruit aromas, with cherries, raspberries, and perfumed red roses, with a sweet, vanilla-infused oak presence. On the palate, the wine is soft and supple, with undertones of raspberry, leather, and a accent of spice, tempered by firm tannins. The oak integration is notable, but it also gives the wine a slightly Cabernet-like character. Overall, the wine is a good affordability for its price, but it falls short of being a truly evolved and nuanced Pinot.

Sophisticated and elegant wine with a delicate tropical fruit presence, polished by a crisp earthy undertone. The profile is refreshingly clean and refined, with a sweet and floral note of raspberry and a touch of honey.

The inaugural edition was not as elegant as their 2012 Golden Mean Pinot. The blended cuvée from clones 37 and Dijon 777, Mother Rock, is sourced from Wayfarer's sandstone substrate, which encourages the vines to dig deep, releasing their terroir. The minerality is punctuated by intense, bright fruit aromatics of raspberry, red currant, and blueberry, accompanied by a mild woody character of aging oak. The tongue is rounded by cassis and cherry, bolstered by even acidity, gentle tannins, and a long finish.