Joseph Phelps Freestone Pinot Noir

The 2019 Pinot Noir opens with intensely floral aromatics of red fruit, dried savory herbs and violets. A viscous, layered wine with balanced acid and tannin structure, jammy boysenberry, baking spice, and sour cherry notes linger to a complex finish.

In 2019, bud break occurred around the same time as 2018 but was delayed compared to our historical averages due to cold, saturated soils from the wet winter, particularly in February. Cool weather continued throughout spring with an unusual amount of rainfall which delayed bloom in some areas. Canopy management was key in 2019 due to vigorous growth and moderate temperatures. July was cooler than average, but August and September warmed to push ripening ahead. The first blocks of Pinot Noir were picked on September 10th and the team completed picking in early October. In 2019, the quality of Pinot Noir from our Sonoma Coast estate was excellent with well-developed flavors, naturally fresh acidity and superb balance.

WINEMAKING: Grapes are harvested at night followed by sorting before the fruit is gravity fed to tank for a long natural fermentation using an overall average of 15% whole clusters in the final blend. Regular punch downs result in a structured wine with silky texture and a distinctive spice character of sweet red berries, forest floor and clove prevalent in this area of the western Sonoma Coast.

VARIETAL TYPE: Pinot Noir

APPELLATIONS: Sonoma County

AGING: 13 months in 36% new and 64% two-year-old French oak barrels.

RATINGS:

• 96 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
• 95 Points - James Suckling
• 94 Points - Wine Enthusiast
• 94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
• 93 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous
• 92 Points - Wine Spectator