2022 Pinot Noir Paige's Ridge

This is a terrific set of new releases from Wayfarer. Harvest took place during a relatively condensed period from September 2 to 6. Proprietor Cleo Pahlmeyer and Winemaker Todd Kohn made all the right choices. The Pinots spent 16 days on the skins – a bit less than normal – with native ferments and malos and then one racking prior to bottling. Time in barrel was 10 months, shorter than the more customary 15-16, another decision that paid off handsomely in helping the wines retain energy. All of the Pinots were done with destemmed fruit, except for the Golden Mean, which saw 15% stems. The 2022 Chardonnays are attractive but also on the lighter side, as so many wines are in 2022.