2012 Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard

The 2012 Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard is a bit brighter and more lifted in style than the Freestone, with flavors that tend towards the more citrus end of the spectrum. Lemon oil, white flowers, French oak and almonds are some of the notes that open up in the glass. Texturally, the 2012 is soft, oily and nicely textured in the glass, but the flavors remain very much on the bright side of things.

The 2012 Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard boasts notes of subtle hazelnuts, apple skins, caramelized white citrus, quince and wet stones. Full-bodied, rich, textured, youthful and vigorous, this beautiful, full but elegant Chardonnay should drink well for 7-8 years.

(bottled with the Freestone pinots in February of 2014; this remained on its lees until the month prior to bottling): Pale straw-yellow. Less expressive on the nose than the basic blend, but the oily stone fruit aromas are joined by a floral note as the wine opens in the glass. Silky, oily and aromatic, with lively notes of orange, flowers, nutmeg and powdered sugar. Lively acidity extends the finish. This includes a Calera clone that originated in Corton-Charlemagne, and the influence is apparent.