The 2010 Pinot Noir Estate Freestone Vineyard is more fruit-driven than the Pastorale. Immediate and juicy, the 2010 jumps from the glass with layers of radiant red fruit. I would prefer to drink the 2010 while the fruit remains front and center. This supple, resonant Pinot is another gorgeous wine from Phelps. The 2010 is a blend of roughly equal parts Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards. Anticipated maturity: 2013-2020.
Once again, I came away deeply impressed with the wines I tasted from Joseph Phelps and their Freestone Vineyards range. These are without question some of the most polished wines being made in the Sonoma Coast today. The 2011s, all of which I tasted from barrel, are also highly promising. The Pinots are quite savory and Syrah-like in this vintage. It will be interesting to see how they develop over the coming year.
Tel: (707) 874-1010