2010 Pastorale Vineyard Pinot Noir

Savory herbs, mint, licorice and sweet red cherries emerge from the 2010 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard (Freestone). A beautifully delineated, mid-weight Pinot, the Pastorale impresses for its fabulous balance and pure personality. The 2010 is bright and focused from start to finish. Savory herbs and floral notes reappear on the finish, adding lift and finesse. It is a lovely showing from Phelps. 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