99 Point Debut Proem Pinot Noir Release

I found a really great red from Northern California last week. One is the late release of a special selected pinot noir from Joseph Phelps: Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Sonoma County Sonoma Coast Freestone Estate Proem No.1 2018. It’s an exceptional quality single plot, single clone pinot from Joseph Phelps’ coastal Sonoma vineyards near Bodega Bay. It is made from the calera clone of pinot, which was said to have been from vine cuttings brought to the United States from France (Domaine de la Romanee Conti) in the suitcase of the winemaker/owner in the 1980s. Whether that tale is true or not, the JP Proem No. 1 Pinot from 2018 is incredible on the palate, with a fabulous combination of ripe berry and citrus and an electrifying acidity. I love the contrast and brilliance to the wine. Only 400 12-bottle cases were made. -James Suckling