Honeysuckle, green apple, lemongrass and seashell aromas. Medium- to full-bodied with flavors of sliced apples, pears and a hint of flint. A blend of three different Wente clones. Drink or hold.

This Chardonnay from Wayfarer is crafted from three California heritage clones from three different clocks of the Wayfarer estate vineyard, The 2023 vintage, shaped by a cool, extended growing season, shows some grace and freshness. It opens with a touch of reduction in the glass, and aromas of lemon peel, lemon cream, ripe cantaloupe, white sweet flowers. On the palate, it’s beautifully textured and a bit salty that reminds you of salted almonds, with a long finish. (ACQ)

From grapes harvested on September 25 and October 16, the 2023 Chardonnay The Estate is gorgeous! “Typically, you don’t talk about structure in Chardonnay, but with Wayfarer you do,” says winemaker Todd Kohn. “You have structure and salinity, and they age just as well as the Pinot Noirs.” At this early stage, it demands vigorous aerating to reveal scents of quince, peach, poached pears, panna cotta and floral perfume on the nose. The full-bodied palate is expansive and perfumed with a luxurious, satiny texture. It’s balanced by vibrant, shimmery acidity and has a tremendously long finish. It evolves dramatically in the glass and will be very long lived in the cellar. (EB)