2010 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.60, 2,650 cases, $55. 50% Pastorale Vineyard and 50% Quarter Moon Vineyard. Clones 828, 459, 777, 667, 115, 113, Pommard and several heirloom selections including Calera, Swan, and Mt. Eden. Aged in 50% new and 50% two to three-year-old French oak barrels, light to medium toast. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. The aromas really draw you into the glass offering scents of black cherries, black raspberries, violets, exotic spices and a hint of stem in a good way. The flavors echo the nose with a complimentary touch of tobacco-laced oak. Full-bodied and intense, soft in the mouth, finishing with a grainy earthiness. Impressive concentration for this vintage. Highly approachable now. Much more interest than so many Dijon clone destemmed Pinots. Very good (+). Reviewed April 13, 2013

Winery: Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards
From article: Sips of California Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines