Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards

Articles About Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards

Reviewed Wines

2018 Joseph Phelps Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $90. Estate grown, produced and bottled by Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Freestone, CA. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Beautifully perfumed with aromas of black cherry, dark strawberry, Asian 5-spice and floral goodness. Midweight plus in style, offering a plethora of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors that really grab ahold with intensity. Impressive polished mouthfeel with suede-like tannins. The finish is noteworthy for its length and generosity. Score: 95. Reviewed August 1, 2021 ARTICLE »

2017 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 2,400 cases, $60. Aged 13 months in 42% new and 58% once-used French oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Reserved aromas of lemon drop, pomelo and peach. A citrus-driven flavor profile with a slight botanical tone. Slightly viscous in mouthfeel, with some length to the slightly tart, yellow grapefruit driven finish. Score: 90. Reviewed March 23, 2019 ARTICLE »

2017 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 6,700 cases, $60. A blend of estate grown fruit - 51% Quarter Moon Vineyard and 49% Pastorale Vineyard. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 34% new and 66% twice-used. · Moderately dark garnet color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, sous-bois and fertile earth lead off. Mouth filling goodness with layers of black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit flavors accented with a compliment of oak. Nicely balanced, with a seamless blending of fruit with supportive tannins and acidity, finishing long with an array of noble dark fruits. Score: 93. Reviewed April 16, 2019 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 2,725 cases, $60. 100% estate grown from Freestone vineyards. Aged 13 months in 35% new and 65% once-used French oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose wows you with aromas of lemon pie, buttery croissant, apple and pear. Well-endowed with flavors of lemon, yellow grapefruit and pineapple that are lifted with a backbone of crisp acidity. A deft touch of oak is pleasing, as is the tightly wound, citrus-driven finish that offers some aromatic persistence. A classic cool-climate Chardonnay. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 3,015 cases, $60. Estate grown. 51% Pastorale and 49% Quarter Moon vineyards. Aged 13 months in 38% new and 62% two-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate dark garnet color in the glass. A melange of dark fruit aromas and oak-driven toast and tobacco. Mid weight in style, with flavors of purple and black fruits that flood the palate with goodness. A fruit-driven wine with silken tannins and a modest finish. Not particularly challenging but not every wine needs to be. Enjoy this wine for its beautiful fruit. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had not surpassed its opening character and a little more oak infusion was evident. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 4,600 cases, $55. Released May 2016. Estate grown. Aged 13 months in 35% new and 65% used French oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Very complex nose offering aromas of lemon, grapefruit, nectarine, buttery brioche, butterscotch and petrichor. Driven by brisk acidity in the mouth with flavors of lemon, yellow grapefruit and toast this wine finishes in a thirst quenching, soprano fashion. Acid lovers will celebrate this style. Score: 90. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 11,600 cases, $55. Release in fall 2016. Estate grown. 51% Quarter Moon Vineyard and 49% Pastorale Vineyard. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% used oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Delightful aromas of black cherry, blackberry, exotic spices and underbrush. Mid weight flavors of purple berries, plum, blood orange, spice and herbs combine for an enjoyable experience that is both fruity and savory. Nicely balanced with juicy acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 ARTICLE »

2013 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.4% alc., 5,750 cases, $55. Estate grown from Freestone Vineyards. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 13 months in 100% French oak barrels and puncheons, 35% new and 65% 2-to-3-year-old. Unfiltered. · Light golden yellow color and slightly cloudy in the glass. Appealing aromas of lemon, petrichor, apple and a hint of buttery oak. Crisp flavors of green apple, lemon curd and complimentary oak seasoning framed by thirst-quenching acidity, finishing slightly tart and thoroughly dry with a lemon drop note. Score: 91. Reviewed April 5, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.0% alc., 3,970 cases, $55. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 14 months in 35% new and 65% 2 to 3-year-old French oak puncheons and barrels. · Light golden yellow color in the glass. A knockout nose features bright, fresh aromas of apple, yellow grapefruit, lemon zest and ocean air. Delicious and refreshing, with flavors of lemon curd, grapefruit, gooseberry and a hint of toasty oak. The finish is alive with lemon-driven, stony acidity and lasts and lasts. Bring on the oysters. Score: 93. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 9,375 cases, $55. 100% estate grown, 40% Pastorale Vineyard and 60% Quarter Moon Vineyard. Aged 13 months in 35% new and 65% 2 to 3 year old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is complex and persistent with hi-tone aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, forest floor, spice and red licorice. A seamless wine with serious extract of black raspberry and blackberry fruits nicely accented with spice and oak. The finish is remarkably intense, leaving quite an impression. Probably the most concentrated Pinot Noir ever from this very cool locale, yet displays the cool-climate vibrancy to support the fruit load. A beauty that will attract many fans. Score: 94. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $75. This 34.5-acre estate vineyard surrounds the Freestone winery and is but 8 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Calera and 777 clones. 30% whole cluster. 33% fermented in oak open top fermenters. Aged 14 months in 55% new and 45% 2-year-old and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Haunting aromas of black cherry, sous-bois, rose petal and spice box. A truly harmonious drinking experience with every component singing in tune. Delicious flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with an accent of exotic spices and black tea. The fruit holds on to the peacock finish for what seems like a minute. Perfectly integrated acidity holds the rich fruit in balance.This wine is true to its mission. Score: 95. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Quarter Moon Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.8% alc., $75. From three specific blocks of the estate 41-acre vineyard located at 500 feet elevation only a few miles from the Pacific Coast as the crow flies. A mixture of Calera and clones 90 and 96 with some 459 and 777. 26% whole cluster. 21% fermented in oak open top fermenters. Aged 14 months in 55% new and 45% 2-year-old and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Terrific aromatic presence featuring scents of blackberry reduction sauce, cassis and exotic spices. Suave, polished and packed with a flavorful assortment of dark fruits, this gorgeous wine offers many nuances including cardamom, Asian 5-spice and game accents combined with a perfect compliment of oak. Admirable balance with welcome acidity on the lip smacking finish. This wine has loads of charisma. Score: 94. Reviewed December 12, 2015 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc.,pH 3.31, TA 0.70, 2,150 cases, $55. 100% MLF. Aged 13 months in 40% new and 60% two to three-year-old French oak puncheons and barrels. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. A very embraceable wine with hi-spirited aromas of spiced apple, lemon, creme brulee and vanilla cream, and sparkling flavors of lemon curd, green apple and a hint of pear. Oak is understated but supportive. Very juicy with lively acidity and a chalky, mineral blessed finish. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.67, 3,385 cases, $55. 59% Pastorale Vineyard and 41% Quarter Moon Vineyard. Aged 13 months in 40% new and 60% two- to three-year-old French oak barrrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherries, exotic spice and a hint of toasty new oak. Delicious burst of cherry goodness on the palate with an electric cut of acidity in the background. A little spice and a subtle green note are sensed in the background. Silky textured with supple tannins. Not a blockbuster by any means, but impressive for the vintage and wine that whole cluster aficionados will appreciate. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.38, TA 0.67, 2,910 cases, $55. Clones 76 and Wente. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 14 months in 50% new and 50% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Understated, picking up interest over time in the glass. Aromas of tart lemon, straw, and buttered brioche. Reminds me of the smell of a bakery. Very tasty flavors of lemon and baked pear with complimentary buttery oak. Soft in the mouth, with a zesty finish leaving a long trail of steely lemon behind. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »

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 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Phelps Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., pH 3.39, TA 0.62, 210 cases, $75. From the best block of Chardonnay planted at the Pastorale Vineyard in Freestone. 100% malolactic fermentation. Aged 14 months in 67% new French oak barrels (50% in 500 Liter puncheons). · Light straw color and clear in the glass. Delicate aromas of lemon peel, lime, oak and chalk dust. Restrained, but alluring with very nice balance. Offers an appealing fusion of apple and citrus flavors with the slightest nutty oak in the background. This wine has an understated appeal that keeps the drinker exploring for nuance. Very good. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Phelps Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.60, 550 cases, $75. This 34.5-acre vineyard surrounds the Freestone winery facility and is 8 miles from the Pacific coast. Aged in 70% new and 30% two and three-year- old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherries and blackberries with subtle spice and oak highlights. Impressive concentration without weight, offering earthbound flavors of dark red and black fruits including purple grapes with a hint of spice and tobacco-laced oak. Impeccable balance and a finish that hangs on tenaciously. The next day when sampled from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had blossomed further, becoming an “Oh my God” wine. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Phelps Quarter Moon Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.62, TA 0.61, 1,130 cases, $75. 41-acre vineyard five miles from the Pacific coast at 500 feet elevation on a well-drained, steep hillside. Aged in 67% new and 33% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. An ooh la la nose developing slowly over time revealing itself seductively. Aromas of cherries, Asian 5-spice and hibiscus. Rich and luscious dark red fruits are complimented by Asian 5-spice, backed by fine-grain, velvety tannins, and elevated with good acidity. Unbelievably long, focused and electric grand cru finish. Like the Energizer bunny, it keeps going and going. Reviewed April 13, 2013 ARTICLE »