Joseph Phelps, Freestone, Sonoma County, California, 2010

93
Tasted by: Stephen Brook
Drinking Window: 2013 - 2020
Sweet, poised, elegant nose. Lean and refined, quite oaky but lifted and elegant; understated but packed with flavour. Good length. About the producer<br /> Missouri-born Joseph Phelps founded his namesake vineyard in Napa Valley in 1973 after buying a cattle ranch just off the Silverado Trail. He won early fame by making California’s first varietal Syrah. Phelps was one of the first California wineries to produce a premium Bordeaux blend from its own grapes, and went on to pioneer Rhône varieties. Phelps’ best known wine is Insignia, a Bordeaux blend first bottled in 1974. Over the years, the winery has been on a mission to use 100% estate grown grapes in its wines. Following several purchases, it owned eight vineyards from St Helena to Carneros as of March 2016.
Producer
Joseph Phelps
Brand
Freestone
Vintage
2010
Colour
Red
Country
USA
Region
California
Appellation
Sonoma County
Alcohol
13.50%