About the Wine

Waypoint wines are crafted with fruit sourced from some of the most outstanding terroirs in Napa Valley. Winemakers Melka and Sands say, “It is about letting the wines speak for themselves and listening to how the historical terroir is expressed”.

This wine was crafted by not one but two wine rock stars, Philippe Melka and Matt Sands. Melka needs no introduction. This 100-point winemaker, originally from Bordeaux, started his wine journey in Château Haut Brion. He’s the mastermind behind some of Napa Valley's most celebrated wines. And Matt Sands, a talented winemaker originally from New Zealand, has forged his expertise in some of the most iconic wineries in the world, like Man O' War, Goldie Vineyard, Stonybridge Vineyard, and Screaming Eagle. Together, they’ve created this piece of art.  

Brown Ranch is a vineyard located in Carneros in the south end of the Napa Valley that specializes in high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay fruit. The vineyard overlooks the San Pablo bay and benefits from its cooling influence and morning fog. This ranch is placed in an extremely privileged terroir and is next to some of the most legendary vineyards in California like HDV Hyde Vineyard & Beaulieu #9 Vineyard, both producing cult wines that constantly achieve 100-points and sell for well over $100/btl.

2018 was an outstanding year for this region. Vinous Media awarded this vintage a 98-Point review and said that it was “a spectacular vintage for Pinot Noir” and that this year produced “vivid and exceptionally beautiful wines.”

Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir. A classic Carneros beauty, ripe notes of cherry cola, spiced hibiscus flower, dried strawberries, and clove are accented by other exotic spices, earth, and hints of salinity. Whole cluster fermentation allows the fruit to be the focus, with fine-grained tannins backing an already exquisite texture full of verve and length. Balanced and full of energy, this showcases one of California’s non-coastal Pinot sites in all its glory. 

Reviews

Plummy with notes of earthy dried herb, black tea, and contrast of vanilla, this vineyard-designate is firmly structured in tannin, with a sandy, grippy texture. High-toned hints of rose, violet, and strawberry add lift and invitation. ~92 Points, Wine Enthusiast.  

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