The 2020 Wayfarer Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview is a noteworthy white wine from the North Coast region of California, specifically Sonoma. This vintage, produced by Wayfarer, has garnered significant attention and acclaim from several top-tier wine reviewers.
Jeb Dunnuck awarded the wine an impressive 97 points, highlighting its "fragrant and layered" profile with notes of "lemon verbena, toasted brioche, and white peach." Dunnuck pointed out the wine's "detail and definition in its structure," complemented by "refreshing acidity and a stony, lifted finish." He suggests that this Chardonnay can be enjoyed over the next decade or more, indicating its potential for aging.
Vinous also praised the 2020 Wayfarer Chardonnay, giving it a score of 94 points. The review described the wine as "deep, rich and phenolic," noting its potential and distinctive character. Vinous emphasized the successful reduction of new oak which harmonizes well with the natural richness of the year. The reviewer anticipates that the wine will continue to evolve and recommends drinking it between 2023 and 2028.
Wine Spectator echoed these sentiments with another 94-point review, calling the Chardonnay "impressive" and highlighting its "ripe mango, dried pineapple, and tangerine flavors." The review also mentioned "details of lemongrass, cardamom, and ginger" that linger on a "long, expressive finish," while the wine’s "supple frame" adds an element of elegance. With a production of 1,050 cases, it is suggested to enjoy this wine now through 2033.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded the wine 96 points, noting its "pretty scents of baked apples, beeswax, roasted almonds, and toast." The medium-bodied palate was praised for its "satiny texture and layered, savory flavors balanced by refreshing acidity," finishing long and flavorful.
Lastly, The Wine Independent also gave it a 96-point score, describing the wine as "storming out of the glass with powerful scents of apricots, ripe, juicy pears, and marzipan." The review further highlighted "hints of candied ginger and nutmeg," and lauded its "super intense" palate with "beautiful tension and a creamy texture," finishing with "loads of mineral sparks."
In summary, the 2020 Wayfarer Chardonnay Wayfarer Vineyard Fort Ross-Seaview is a highly acclaimed wine, praised for its complexity, richness, and potential for aging, making it a standout selection from Sonoma's North Coast.