2017 Pahlmeyer Wayfarer Vineyard Pinot Noir Mother Rock
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The 2017 Pinot Noir Mother Rock emerges from a blend of east-facing parcels on 30-degree slopes with shallow soils. It is, not surprisingly, one of the more reticent Pinots in this range. Sweet red cherry, white pepper, chalk and mint give the Mother Rock its striking aromatic top notes and brightness. This is an especially focused, driven style.
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Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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The 2017 Pinot Noir Mother Rock is medium ruby-purple in color with a soft nose of strawberry and raspberry preserves, spiced cranberry sauce, rhubarb and pomegranate with stewed black tea leaves, moss-covered bark, crushed stone and rose petal with a classy framing of new oak spice. Medium-bodied, it has wonderfully concentrated, spiced fruits in the mouth with a sturdy frame of grainy tannins and juicy freshness, finishing very long and full of flavor. 80 cases produced.
A mix of clones 37 and 777 from shallower, rocky soils, the 2017 Pinot Noir Mother Rock was mostly destemmed and brought up all in 50-60% new French oak. Not harvested until October 2, it offers a more ruby color as well as a Burgundian profile in its darker cherry, earth, spice, and underbrush aromas and flavors. More medium-bodied, silky and elegant, it's lightly textured, has moderate tannins, beautiful balance, and a clean finish. It shines for its incredible purity and elegance more than power and richness, and should evolve beautifully for over a decade.