2019 Pahlmeyer Wayfarer Vineyard Pinot Noir Mother Rock
Market price
Buying options
Tasting notes
A co-fermentation of Mount Eden and Dijon clones. Hand-picked clusters delivered to the winery before sunrise. Fruit hand-sorted and destemmed before transfer to tank where five to seven days of cold maceration preceded more than two weeks of 100% ambient-yeast fermentation. The free-run wine was transferred to French oak (two-thirds new) for 15 months. Another fine Pinot which would appeal to Côte de Nuits lovers. More flesh but there is a very good structure with dark fruit, fine oak, ripe tannins, spicy and savoury on the finish. Drinking well, there is plenty of upside potential here. (AWH)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jeb Dunnuck
More reviews and scores
Another dead ringer for a Grand Cru Red Burgundy, the translucent ruby 2019 Pinot Noir Mother Rock gives up a brilliant, medium to full-bodied, layered, exotic style revealing lots of creamy red and darker berry fruits, spicy wood, flowers, and black tea-like aromas and flavors. The most plush, sexy, and opulent in the lineup, it has a beautifully expansive mouthfeel, plenty of tannins, and a great finish. Give it a year or two and enjoy over the following decade.
The 2019 Pinot Noir Mother Rock comes from Mt. Eden and 777 clone fruit. It has a medium ruby-purple color and takes time to unfold to form scents of graphite and dashi, with plush, ripe red and blackberry fruit and notes of dried lavender and star anise. The palate is spectacular, satiny in texture and fanning out to dark, spicy flavors with a fresh burst of acidity and a very long, layered finish. It deserves another 2-3 years in bottle.
The 2019 Pinot Noir Mother Rock is a blend from two east-facing blocks (clone 777 and Mount Eden) that are co-fermented in the winery. Pliant and supple, with silky tannins, the Mother Rock is so expressive today. Time in the glass brings out a whole range of savory and mineral inflections that perk up the finish.