Winemaking Process | Joseph Phelps' 2019 Pinot Noir from the Freestone Vineyard is a testament to the winery's commitment to cool-climate viticulture and their pioneering spirit in the Sonoma Coast. The Freestone Vineyard, purchased in 1999, represents Joseph Phelps' vision to produce world-class Pinot Noir rivaling the best of Burgundy.
The 2019 growing season in the Sonoma Coast was marked by cool, mild weather. This climate allowed for excellent phenological ripening and the development of complex aromas and flavors in the grapes. The cooler than normal spring delayed key growth stages by two weeks compared to the previous five years, contributing to the wine's fresh and vibrant character.
At Joseph Phelps, the winemaking philosophy is centered on expressing the unique terroir of their vineyards. The Freestone Vineyard, with its Goldridge soils and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, provides an ideal environment for growing Pinot Noir with depth, purity, and finesse. The winery's gravity-flow facility, completed in 2007, allows for gentle handling of the delicate Pinot Noir grapes, preserving their intricate flavors and aromas.
Tasting Notes | As you pour a glass of the 2019 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyard Pinot Noir, you'll be greeted by a wine that embodies the cool-climate elegance of the Sonoma Coast. The nose offers enticing aromas of fragrant violet and juicy raspberry, complemented by notes of black cherry and hints of red currant.
On the palate, the wine reveals its true character. It presents as focused and youthful, with a lifting acidic backbone that carries the fruit flavors through to a long finish. The black pepper spice and orange peel essence add complexity and intrigue, balancing the fruit notes beautifully.
This Pinot Noir showcases the purity of fruit that Joseph Phelps strives for, while also expressing the unique terroir of the Freestone Vineyard. The wine's structure suggests excellent aging potential, a hallmark of Joseph Phelps' wines.
How to Enjoy | To fully appreciate the nuances of this Pinot Noir, it's recommended to serve it at a cool room temperature, around 60-65°F (15-18°C). This temperature range allows the wine's complex aromas and flavors to fully express themselves.
While the wine is showing beautifully now, it has the potential to develop additional complexity with age. For those who choose to open it now, consider decanting the wine for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow it to fully open up and reveal its layered character.
Joseph Phelps suggests several pairing options that complement this sophisticated Pinot Noir:
* Cheese and Charcuterie: Try it with Comté, aged Gouda, or aged sheep's milk cheese. For charcuterie, sopressata, prosciutto, and finocchiona are excellent choices.
* Forest Mushroom Agnolotti: The earthy flavors of the mushrooms will complement the wine's complexity.
* Grilled Octopus with Romesco sauce: The wine's acidity and spice notes will balance well with the richness of this dish.
The 2019 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyard Pinot Noir offers wine enthusiasts a unique opportunity to experience the exceptional terroir of the Sonoma Coast through the lens of one of California's most respected producers. Whether you're a longtime fan of cool-climate Pinot Noir or new to the style, this wine promises a profound and authentic expression of its origins, embodying Joseph Phelps' legacy of excellence and innovation in winemaking.
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