The 2023 Ways of Wayfarer Prince Hill Pinot Noir, crafted by Wayfarer, hails from the Sonoma Coast of California, a region renowned for its Pinot Noir production. This vintage presents itself as a red wine with a straightforward character, bottled with a traditional cork closure.
James Suckling, a respected voice in the wine industry, awarded this wine a commendable score of 93 points. In his review on jamessuckling.com, he describes the wine as "a crunchy pinot with sliced strawberry and crushed stone aromas." The aromatic profile suggests a blend of fruit and mineral notes, which may appeal to those who appreciate a layered sensory experience. He further notes that the wine is "medium- to full-bodied with firm tannins and a spicy, savory finish." This indicates a well-structured wine with a balance of fruit and spice, providing a dynamic palate experience.
Suckling also identifies "some white pepper and sea salt undertones," adding an intriguing complexity to the wine's flavor profile. He highlights the wine's "tension," a term often used to describe a wine's balance between acidity and flavor intensity, suggesting that this Pinot Noir offers a vibrant and engaging drinking experience.
The review concludes by advising consumers that the wine is suitable to "drink or hold," indicating its current readiness for enjoyment as well as its potential for further development with age. This flexibility may appeal to both immediate consumers and collectors alike.
Overall, the 2023 Ways of Wayfarer Prince Hill Pinot Noir stands out for its combination of fruity and mineral characteristics, firm structure, and potential for aging, making it a noteworthy choice for those seeking a quality Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast.