2023 Wayfarer ‘The Estate’ Chardonnay Fort Ross-Seaview

WSI97 JD98 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.
JS97 Honeysuckle, green apple, lemongrass and seashell aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with flavors of sliced apples, pears and a hint of flint. A blend of three different Wente clones. Drink or hold.
WA95 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.