2015 Pastorale Vineyard Pinot Noir
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Tasting notes
The 2015 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard is the most savory of the three Pinots in this range, and also the brightest. Striking scents of rose petal, mint, blood orange, sweet red cherry and pomegranate give the wine much of its distinctive personality. The 25% whole clusters add aromatic nuance and lift in one of the many strands that define this super-expressive Pinot Noir from Joseph Phelps.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
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Planted in 1999-2002 to a heavy mix of Calera and 777 clones, the Pastorale Pinot Noir was produced this year using 25% whole clusters. Medium to deep ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard has a fragrant nose of violets, dried leaves and bay leaves over a core of red currant jelly, kirsch and pomegranate. Medium-bodied, it has a solid frame of ripe, fine-grained tannins and lively acid supporting the intense red fruit and earth flavor layers, finishing long with an herbal lift.
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.