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NAPA VALLEY | WINE COUNTRY THIS WEEK
New Release Wines from Joseph Phelps
Vineyards and Freestone Vineyards
By Stephen H. Pavy, Director of Hospitality
JOSEPH PHELPS VINEYARDS AND FREESTONE VINEYARDS
One of the most exciting aspects of working at a winery is being
able to taste the new vintages before they are released. Working for the
two wineries that are owned by the Phelps family, Joseph Phelps Vineyards
and Freestone Vineyards, I get to double my enjoyment of this
experience!
Here are the new releases from Joseph Phelps Vineyards:
2009 Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena – Napa Valley
2009 Eisrébe, Napa Valley
2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc comes from our Home Ranch in
Spring Valley. Aromas of lemon curd, white flowers, honeydew,
allspice and notes of wet stone are followed by a balanced palate with
fresh acidity and length.
The 2009 Eisrébe is made from 100% Scheurebe grown on our
Home Ranch in Spring Valley. This wine has already received 95
points from the Wine Enthusiast. It boasts delicate aromas of apricot,
citrus blossom, honey and crème caramel followed by a rich and
unctuous texture integrated with well-balanced, bright acidity and a
persistent finish.
The 2008 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of 85%
Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec
from estate vineyards (83%) and independent growers (17%). This
vintage represents a milestone for our Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon:
it will be the final vintage that contains fruit from independent
growers. Beginning in 2009, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon will
be from 100% estate-grown fruit, the very same vineyards that
produce the components for Insignia, our proprietary Bordeaux-style
blend. The 2008 Cabernet reveals aromas of plum and blackberry
intertwined with graphite, forest floor, dark chocolate and curry notes.
The fruit and spice carry through on the palate adding to the multilayered
texture of this wine. Supple, integrated and age-worthy
tannins create a long, lush finish.
From our sister winery, Freestone Vineyards, located just eight
miles from the Pacific Ocean in the westernmost parts of the Sonoma
Coast, we have the following new releases:
2008 Freestone Chardonnay
2008 Pastorale Vineyard Chardonnay
2008 Pastorale Vineyard Pinot Noir
2008 Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir
The 2008 Freestone Chardonnay comes from 100% estate-grown
fruit. This wine has already received 93 points from Wine Spectator, 95
points from the Connoisseurs’ Guide to California Wine and 91 points
from Wine Enthusiast.
“A stylish cool-climate Chardonnay, intense, crisp, vibrant and
34
concentrated, with subtle citrus and
pippin apple notes giving it a juicy
sensation. Ends with slate and
mineral notes that are firm and
focused, reverberating on the finish.
Drink now through 2018.” (James
Laube, Wine Spectator, February 9,
2011.)
2008 marks the second year we
have released single vineyard designate
wines from our estate vineyards.
Made in very limited quantities,
the Pastorale Chardonnay,
Pastorale Pinot Noir and Quarter
Moon Pinot Noir each represent the
very best of what these estate vineyards
can produce, beginning with
selections made in the vineyard, at the crush pad, during fermentation
and throughout the barrel-aging process. Only two to four barrels
were made of each wine.
The 2008 Pastorale Chardonnay offers up hints of toasted
hazelnut, freshly baked brioche, lemon mousse and crushed, wet
rocks. The first sip is lean and crisp, but soon the palate is coated with
flavors of lemony crème brûlée, stone fruits, green apples and a very
subtle touch of coriander. This wine has received 93 points from Wine
Enthusiast and 90 points from Wine & Spirits.
The 2008 Pastorale Pinot Noir possesses harmonious aromas of
cassis, blackberry reduction, anise, crispy sage and spicy oak. On the
palate one finds alluring flavors of Bing cherry compote, tangerine
zest, sandalwood, dried violets, baking spices and silky tannins that
provide a seamless texture. This wine has received 93 points from
Wine Enthusiast.
The 2008 Quarter Moon Pinot Noir has a nose that is deep and
exotic, exuding aromas of cinnamon, clove, dried rose hips, cedar and
freshly gathered wild mushrooms. Both elegant and striking, the
palate reveals a mouthful of red currants, wild strawberries and
rhubarb and finishes with a fresh and zesty mouthfeel. This wine has
received 94 points and “Cellar Selection” from Wine Enthusiast and 90
points from Wine & Spirits.
Come and taste these wines! Joseph Phelps Vineyards is located at
200 Taplin Road in St. Helena, Napa Valley and open seven days a
week, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday and
Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., by appointment only. Please call ahead
at 1-800-707-5789 to make a reservation; www.josephphelps.com.
The Freestone Vineyards Guest Center is located at 12747 El
Camino Bodega in Freestone, Sonoma County and open Thursday
through Monday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary but
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