Winemaker Notes
The small clusters of the 2022 vintage allowed us to make Chardonnays with appealing intensity, balance, and nuance. Our Sonoma Coast Chardonnay showcases three of the top vineyards in the region – Sangiacomo, Durell, and Gap’s Crown – with the goal of creating a cuvée that illustrates the varietal’s exceptional character across the region. We picked and fermented each component of this blend separately and aged them all for 11 months in 30% new French oak barrels. The resulting blend offers compelling new world aromas with fresh acidity and focus, reminiscent of the old world.
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
This native-yeast-fermented Chardonnay features bright, zesty lemon aromas complemented by charming white flower notes. On the palate, it offers fresh and mouthwatering flavors of ripe pear, apple, quince, and hints of baking spice and chalky minerality
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
The nose is accented by Meyer lemon, yellow apple, and pear notes. Undertones of mint and greengage offer a layer of complexity while a hint of Meyer lemon pith contributes spiciness. The palate is round and unctuous owing to the well-developed tannin structure and moderate acid profile. Flavours of Meyer lemon and lemon curd envelope the palate. The older vines are blended with newer plantings of Calera and Wente clones, which brings terrific balance and is wonderfully nuanced and elegant.
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
Brooding and darker in profile compared to the Russian River Valley bottling, the Sonoma Coast is a completely different animal. Plum, dried herbs and savory undertones complete the darker aromatic profile. Full bodied at the entry, the palate becomes saturated with flavors of plum and brambly fruits. The mid-palate weight is compelling, and the firmness of the tannins seem to melt to the extract of the wine. The palate is then refreshed with enough acidity that carries the wine to the finish with a lingering hint of a sous bois character.
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
The luminous bouquet of white peach, lemon cream, kumquat preserves, Bosc pear, honeydew, Granny Smith apple skin, lemon peel and chamomile is mouth-watering and compelling. Brilliant and juicy on the palate the Zellerbach Chardonnay exudes complementing notes of tangerine, green pear, pink grapefruit and lemon drops.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Hanzell "The Sessions" Selection Pinot Noir is a delightful wine with a complex and inviting profile The nose is rich with fresh and juicy dark cherry, blackberry, wild raspberry, and hints of orange peel, Bergamot tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and anise. On the palate, you'll find beautifully textured, fine tannins carrying flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and wild raspberry, complemented by a long, red-fruited finish. This wine is crafted from organically farmed grapes, ensuring a pure and expressive taste. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for many occasions.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
Bursting with aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, mango, lemon verbena, lime zest, and a lifted chalky minerality, the nose is bright and effusive. Pear, tangerine, lime, Meyer lemon, kumquat and hints of arugula carry on a textured and buoyant long juicy and tremendously delicious finish.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
This powerful wine with ripe aromas calls for similar dishes: sole fried in butter with almonds, Bresse chicken with truffle and foie gras, rosé fried veal kidneys with 'moutarde à l'ancienne' cream sauce, turbot or brill with a creamy butter/white wine sauce, monkfish ham with beurre blanc, lobster with vanilla butter
About Winery
Kistler Vineyards is a small winery in the Russian River Valley specializing in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Founded in 1978 on the notion that compelling wines of site can and should be made in California. Kistler has been working with their own heritage selection of Chardonnay since the mid-1980s and is known the world over as a single clone Chardonnay house. They plant one heritage selection of Chardonnay across fifteen vineyards, giving rise to eleven vineyard designate Chardonnays. Similarly, Kistler produces four Pinot Noirs; each of these wines is crafted from the two small-clustered, low-yielding clones that were imported from a Grand Cru vineyard in Burgundy, which they began propagating over 20 years ago. Geoff Labitzke, MW, is the National Director of Sales for Kistler Vineyards and will be our guide as we explore five distinct bottlings of Kistler’s highly sought-after wines.
Winemaker Notes
We are fortunate to work with two outstanding Durell Vineyard Chardonnay blocks that blend with synergy and result in exceptional wines each vintage. These two blocks of Old Wente clone Chardonnay have formed the Sojourn Durell Chardonnay since 2012. Both blocks were picked at night to retain freshness and allow us to extract only the highest quality juice. This wine offers a unique combination of apple and citrus fruit aromas with layers of minerality. It is expansive yet balanced, with great acidity, firm structure, and a long finish.
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
This 2023 vintage wine offers tremendous depth and nuance. Gap’s Crown Vineyard responded well to the cooler weather conditions and matured at an even pace, allowing us to pick each block at optimal maturity. We again fermented the clone 828 block with stems included, adding verve and spice notes to the finished blend. The 2023 vintage has a mix of red cherry and darker berry flavors with baking spice notes. This exceptional vineyard and distinctive volcanic soils delivered a beautiful wine again with the 2023 vintage.
About Winery
Sojourn Cellars was founded in 2001 by two tennis friends, Craig Haserot and Erich Bradley, who shared a passion for great wine and tennis. They started with small bottlings of Cabernet Sauvignon from exceptional vineyard sources. Over the years, Sojourn Cellars has grown into a boutique winery producing highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their hands-off winemaking style allows the character of the vineyard sites to shine through in the wines.
Winemaker Notes
Each block was picked by hand at night, and firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery before sunrise. We hand-sorted the clusters then transferred them into a bladder press. After gentle pressing, the juice settled for 24 hours before we carefully racked it to French oak barrels, 64% new. Native yeast slowly guided alcoholic fermentation, with measured batonnage until malolactic fermentation was complete. The wine aged sur lie for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
About Winery
Wayfarer is the manifestation of a remarkable place, masterful winemaking, and the drive to go to extremes to create something truly exceptional.
After nearly 30 years as an acclaimed Napa Valley vintner, Jayson Pahlmeyer became increasingly entranced by the wines of Burgundy. “Every oenophile eventually gravitates to the wines of Burgundy,” he says. In the early 1990s, Jayson began seeking out the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world.
A close friend, legendary French wine importer Martine Saunier, had located two parcels for sale in Burgundy – Clos de la Roche, a Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyard in Côte de Nuits Grand Cru, and Corton Vergennes, a Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyard in Corton. His winemaker, Helen Turley, was to make the wine with the hands-on assistance of the renowned Michel Niellon at his Chassagne-Montrachet winery. However, just after the papers were signed, the deal was nullified by an obscure Burgundian real estate clause that permitted last-minute alternative offers.
Though these iconic vineyards faded from his dreams, Jayson knew that, eventually, the perfect site would present itself. He just didn’t realize it would be six years later in the remote hills of the Sonoma Coast at a small farm called Wayfarer.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Williams Selyem Drake Estate Chardonnay is described as having yellow apple and Meyer lemon notes on the nose, with hints of shiso and tarragon. The vineyard's proximity to a river influences the wine's aromas, adding a touch of the nearby woods. It's layered and full-bodied on the palate, with structure and minerality attributed to old-Wente and Calera Chardonnay clones. The finish is elegant, with hints of crushed rocks and minerals.
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
The incredible diversity of our growing region is evident in this blend’s assemblage of vineyard lots. The flavors show remarkable synergy while showcasing the unique characteristics of each vineyard source. Dried lavender and rose potpourri aromas of the Williams Selyem Estate blend harmoniously with fresh herbal tarragon notes from Rochioli Riverblock. Rounding out the nose are red fruit and citrus rind scents from Drake Estate and Laguna Ranch. The components from Martaella and Olivet Lane Vineyards carry the palate, giving it both acidic freshness and substantial tannins. We hope you enjoy this blend as an introduction to our portfolio of Pinot Noirs. It is a wine that can be shared and enjoyed on any occasion.
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
The Russian River Valley bottling is one of the most expressive wines that we offer. Sourced from a multitude of sites scattered throughout the appellation, the wine brings together unique and individual flavor profiles to provide a balanced and 360o perspective on the Russian River Valley. Red fruits, red and purple flowers, hints of English Breakfast tea wrap up with the woodsy, earthy side of Pinot Noir. Highlights of fennel and fresh herbs add an additional layer of interest and intrigue to the aromatics. Firmer in texture and tannin, the palate is saturated with red fruits and citrus flavors. The interplay of the acidity and tannin helps to stretch the palate out to give length. Allow this wine to develop a few years to reach its full potential.
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
The Unoaked Chardonnay opens with bursts of jasmine and honeysuckle floral notes, followed by delicate quince and stone fruit aromas. Fermented in stainless steel tanks and receiving weekly batonnage (lees stirring) during aging, the resulting wine has both weight and verve. Flavors of yellow apple and pear are emphasized by a texture reminiscent of pear skins. This wine is approachable upon release but deserves 2-3 years of cellaring. – Jessica Gilmore, Associate Winemaker
About Winery
Like most good stories, the history of Williams Selyem owes much to serendipity. If a grower with an abundance of fruit hadn’t given Burt Williams a few tonnes of free grapes in the 1970s, Burt might never have discovered his love and flair for winemaking. And if Burt and his partner Ed Selyem had been able to afford the French Burgundies they both favoured, they might never have tried making their own pinot noir.
The two friends didn’t set out to produce wines for anyone but themselves. And they surely never imagined that their humble experiment in home winemaking would spawn a cult-status winery of international acclaim. Together, Burt and Ed set a new standard for American-made pinot noir, and elevated Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley to among the best wine growing regions in the world.
Now considered Russian River Valley royalty, Williams Selyem are responsible for some of the most sought-after handcrafted expressions of pinot noir across both the New World and Old.
Winemaker Notes
The luminous bouquet of white peach, lemon cream, kumquat preserves, Bosc pear, honeydew, Granny Smith apple skin, lemon peel and chamomile is mouth-watering and compelling. Brilliant and juicy on the palate the Zellerbach Chardonnay exudes complementing notes of tangerine, green pear, pink grapefruit and lemon drops.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Hanzell "The Sessions" Selection Pinot Noir is a delightful wine with a complex and inviting profile The nose is rich with fresh and juicy dark cherry, blackberry, wild raspberry, and hints of orange peel, Bergamot tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and anise. On the palate, you'll find beautifully textured, fine tannins carrying flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and wild raspberry, complemented by a long, red-fruited finish. This wine is crafted from organically farmed grapes, ensuring a pure and expressive taste. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for many occasions.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
Bursting with aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, mango, lemon verbena, lime zest, and a lifted chalky minerality, the nose is bright and effusive. Pear, tangerine, lime, Meyer lemon, kumquat and hints of arugula carry on a textured and buoyant long juicy and tremendously delicious finish.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
Each block was picked by hand at night, and firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery before sunrise. We hand-sorted the clusters then transferred them into a bladder press. After gentle pressing, the juice settled for 24 hours before we carefully racked it to French oak barrels, 64% new. Native yeast slowly guided alcoholic fermentation, with measured batonnage until malolactic fermentation was complete. The wine aged sur lie for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
About Winery
Wayfarer is the manifestation of a remarkable place, masterful winemaking, and the drive to go to extremes to create something truly exceptional.
After nearly 30 years as an acclaimed Napa Valley vintner, Jayson Pahlmeyer became increasingly entranced by the wines of Burgundy. “Every oenophile eventually gravitates to the wines of Burgundy,” he says. In the early 1990s, Jayson began seeking out the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world.
A close friend, legendary French wine importer Martine Saunier, had located two parcels for sale in Burgundy – Clos de la Roche, a Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyard in Côte de Nuits Grand Cru, and Corton Vergennes, a Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyard in Corton. His winemaker, Helen Turley, was to make the wine with the hands-on assistance of the renowned Michel Niellon at his Chassagne-Montrachet winery. However, just after the papers were signed, the deal was nullified by an obscure Burgundian real estate clause that permitted last-minute alternative offers.
Though these iconic vineyards faded from his dreams, Jayson knew that, eventually, the perfect site would present itself. He just didn’t realize it would be six years later in the remote hills of the Sonoma Coast at a small farm called Wayfarer.
Winemaker Notes
The luminous bouquet of white peach, lemon cream, kumquat preserves, Bosc pear, honeydew, Granny Smith apple skin, lemon peel and chamomile is mouth-watering and compelling. Brilliant and juicy on the palate the Zellerbach Chardonnay exudes complementing notes of tangerine, green pear, pink grapefruit and lemon drops.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
The 2023 Hanzell "The Sessions" Selection Pinot Noir is a delightful wine with a complex and inviting profile The nose is rich with fresh and juicy dark cherry, blackberry, wild raspberry, and hints of orange peel, Bergamot tea, cardamom, cinnamon, and anise. On the palate, you'll find beautifully textured, fine tannins carrying flavors of dark cherry, blackberry, and wild raspberry, complemented by a long, red-fruited finish. This wine is crafted from organically farmed grapes, ensuring a pure and expressive taste. It pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes, making it a versatile choice for many occasions.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
Bursting with aromas of orange blossom, honeysuckle, mango, lemon verbena, lime zest, and a lifted chalky minerality, the nose is bright and effusive. Pear, tangerine, lime, Meyer lemon, kumquat and hints of arugula carry on a textured and buoyant long juicy and tremendously delicious finish.
About Winery
Ambassador James D. Zellerbach founded Hanzell Vineyards in 1953 with a vision to create wines that could compete on the world stage. Named after his wife Hana, Hanzell sits at the southern toe of the Mayacamas mountain range overlooking the south-western end of Sonoma Valley and San Pablo Bay. After extensive time spent in Burgundy, Zellerbach returned inspired and educated by the region’s wines and grapes—Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. He then planted these two varieties at a time when there were less than a few hundred acres of each planted in North America. Since 1975, Hanzell has been solely owned by the de Brye family, who is dedicated to the preservation of tradition with a progressive and holistic approach which will ensure the sustainability for generations to come.
Winemaker Notes
Each block was picked by hand at night, and firm, cool clusters were delivered to the winery before sunrise. We hand-sorted the clusters then transferred them into a bladder press. After gentle pressing, the juice settled for 24 hours before we carefully racked it to French oak barrels, 64% new. Native yeast slowly guided alcoholic fermentation, with measured batonnage until malolactic fermentation was complete. The wine aged sur lie for 15 months and was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
About Winery
Wayfarer is the manifestation of a remarkable place, masterful winemaking, and the drive to go to extremes to create something truly exceptional.
After nearly 30 years as an acclaimed Napa Valley vintner, Jayson Pahlmeyer became increasingly entranced by the wines of Burgundy. “Every oenophile eventually gravitates to the wines of Burgundy,” he says. In the early 1990s, Jayson began seeking out the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards in the world.
A close friend, legendary French wine importer Martine Saunier, had located two parcels for sale in Burgundy – Clos de la Roche, a Grand Cru Pinot Noir vineyard in Côte de Nuits Grand Cru, and Corton Vergennes, a Grand Cru Chardonnay vineyard in Corton. His winemaker, Helen Turley, was to make the wine with the hands-on assistance of the renowned Michel Niellon at his Chassagne-Montrachet winery. However, just after the papers were signed, the deal was nullified by an obscure Burgundian real estate clause that permitted last-minute alternative offers.
Though these iconic vineyards faded from his dreams, Jayson knew that, eventually, the perfect site would present itself. He just didn’t realize it would be six years later in the remote hills of the Sonoma Coast at a small farm called Wayfarer.
We have compiled a selection of wine mix best pick for any occasion special for you. Our wine Bundle are meticulously crafted with flavour, quality, and premium selection.
Bundle Include :
1x 2019 Sojourn Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast 1x 2022 Williams Selyem Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast
