2018 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Estate Proem #1 comes from the Quarter Moon Vineyard, which is near Occidental winery on the west side of the town of Freestone, close to the Pacific Ocean. "The biggest advantage is that ocean air, especially during heat spells," Justin Ennis, winemaker at Joseph Phelps Freestone, explained while we tasted—these heat spells are an ever-growing concern in Northern California. The 2018 Proem #1 offers exceptional purity and complexity. Its aromas undulate from pomegranate and cranberry to tones of tea leaves, saline, woodsmoke and rusty iron. Medium-bodied, it has refreshing bursts of acidity and velvety tannins to balance its concentrated fruit and boasts a flourish of spicy accents on the long finish. 417 cases were made.
Critic scores
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Pale ruby-purple, the 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards has alluring aromas of dried lavender and bergamot, aniseed, blood orange and amaro-like accents with a core of perfectly ripe red and black berry fruits. The palate is light-bodied, silky, soft and juicy but packed with nuanced flavor layers, and it finishes incredibly long. What an elegant, layered expression this vintage! This was aged 13 months in 39% new French oak, and 10,400 cases were produced.
Moving to the Pinot Noirs, the 2018 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards saw just a touch of stems (16%) and 13 months in 39% new French oak. Lots of mulled red and black fruits, flowery incense, a kiss of cola, and earth all emerge from this medium-bodied, rounded, brilliantly put together Pinot Noir. As seamless and gulpable as they come, it has light tannins, outstanding length, and is going to evolve for 7-8 years or more.
The 2018 Pinot Noir (Sonoma Coast) shows just how appealing the vintage is, even at the appellation level. Freshly cut roses, violet, crushed red berry and mint are all beautifully lifted in a weightless, gracious Pinot that is all finesse. There is a sense of translucence that is so alluring. The 2018 is pure and total class. This is the first vintage that incorporates a dollop of non-estate fruit, a practical decision taken to even out production from year to year in this site, which yields can vary widely according to vintage.
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.