2016 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Last of the Pinot Noirs, the 2016 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard is from a slightly larger vineyard located north of Freestone (south of Occidental). It’s a mix of two clones (777 and Calera), saw a small amount of stems, and was brought up mostly in neutral barrels. Its medium ruby color is followed by a thrilling perfume of sweet strawberries, dried flowers, red currants, and forest floor, with even a hint of white truffle. Ripe, supple, and more forward and sexy than the Quarter Moon release, this beauty has fine tannins and impeccable balance, and is just a total joy to drink.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard is medium to deep ruby-purple colored and offers up black raspberries and warm cranberry scents with nuances of red roses, oolong tea, underbrush and black truffles. The medium-bodied palate reveals very soft, silky, super ripe tannins, with a racy backbone supporting the intense black and red berry layers, finishing long and earthy. 2,430 cases produced.
The 2016 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard is a gorgeous, dramatic wine. Even with all of its size, the 2016 has a striking level of translucency that adds so much intrigue. Expressive floral and minty notes play off the rich red berry fruit beautifully. The 25% whole clusters add nuance, something that this wine clearly needs to balance some of its more overt leanings.
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.