2018 Napa Sauvignon Blanc 2016 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard
Joseph Phelps Vineyards is a family-owned winery founded in 1973 when Joe Phelps purchased a former cattle ranch near St. Helena, the Stags Leap District, Oakville, Rutherford, Oak Knoll District, Carneros and South Napa Valley. In 1999, the Phelps family added 100 acres of vineyard property near the town of Freestone on the Sonoma Coast, where Phelps now grows Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Phelps is best known for its flagship Napa Valley blend of red Bordeaux varietals first produced in 1974. The blend known as “Insignia” is widely regarded as a qualitative benchmark for California winemaking. Over the years, Phelps’ goal was to have its wines become 100% estate grown by making carefully planned acquisitions of prime vineyards in the Napa Valley. Today, the Phelps estate consists of the Spring Valley Home Ranch outside of St. Helena, Banca Dorada in Rutherford, Backus Vineyard in Oakville, Las Rocas and Barboza vineyards in Stags Leap, Yountville Vineyard in Oak Knoll, Suscol Vineyard in South Napa and Larry Hyde & Sons Vineyard in Carneros since the 2011 growing season. Phelps makes outstanding wines and I look forward to comment on others in future posts.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards also have several “Wine Clubs” and additionally offering some “Library Wines” which provide a tremendous insight on how their wines develop year to year. I recommend to check out their availability, click this link “WineClubLink” to go to their site and join a club! If you find your travels to Napa, I recommend a visit to their captivating Napa winery.
Keep checking back with SippingFineWine.com as I recently made a trip to Napa during 2019 harvest, visited several wineries, tasted some great wines, and met some outstanding individuals. I’ll continue to report on my discoveries.
2018 Napa Sauvignon Blanc
100% estate-grown Sauvignon Blanc from their Home Ranch Vineyard in St. Helena. Pale lemon color, aged for 7 months in 30% new & 70% once used French oak. Aromas of ripe stone and tropical fruits with some floral notes, wonderful phenolics. On the palate fresh fruit flavors of mango, pineapple and peach, some citrus zest with wafts of honeysuckle notes. Balanced acidity, medium+ length ending with creamy spice texture. Wow! Very Nice! Tasting Sample.
2016 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard
100% estate-grown Chardonnay from their Sonoma Coast Pastorale Vineyard. Medium lemon color, aged for 13 months in 60% new & 40% once used French oak. Aromas of ripe stone fruits with toasty oak and some floral notes. On the palate flavors of apple, pear and lemon curd with toasty vanilla notes. Well balanced with acidity, medium+ length ending with creamy mineral texture. A knockout! Very Nice! Tasting Sample.
Cheers!