Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pinot Noir 2019  £60.95

Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pinot Noir

The 2018 Sonoma Coast growing season was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed bud break, bloom and veraison by two weeks compared to the previous five years. The mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening and the development of a complex aroma and flavour profile in the finished wines.

Harvest takes place at night followed by sorting before the fruit is gravity fed to the tank for a long natural fermentation using an overall average of 16% whole clusters in the final blend. Regular punch downs result in a structured wine with a silky texture and a distinctive Freestone spice character of boysenberry, forest floor and clove prevalent in this area of the western Sonoma Coast.

The 2018 Pinot Noir highlights fragrant violet, rustic baking spices and cedar notes followed by juicy raspberry, black cherry and hints of red currant. Focused and youthful with a lifting acid length, black pepper spice and orange peel essence.

94 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
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! -EB, Sept. 2020