Near perfect scores from James Suckling for the second vintage of Joseph Phelps Proem wine releases from our Freestone Estate.

The two tiny-production, super-quality pinot noirs from Joseph Phelps Freestone Estate are almost equally compelling in quality in the 2019, the most recent release. The reds come from parcels in the Occidental-Freestone area on the West Sonoma Coast, which I believe is one of the best regions for pinot noir in the United States.

Both the Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Sonoma County Sonoma Coast Freestone Estate Proem No.1 2019 and Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast Freestone Estate Proem No.3 2019 were rated the same. They are only the second releases of these wines, which continue to amaze us with their quality.

2019 Joseph Phelps Proem No. 4 Chardonnay, Freestone Estate
96 points - This has aromas of flowers, apricots, praline, buttered toast, salted almonds and cloves. Layered, rich and flavorful, yet fresh, with a full body. Creamy, long and deliciously nutty. Fantastic balance of intensity and elegance. Drink or hold.

2019 Joseph Phelps Proem No. 3 Pinot Noir, Freestone Estate
99 points - Intense and spicy on the nose, with savory notes of dark cherries, blueberries, black olives, toffee, oyster shells, porcini mushrooms, chocolate orange and sweet tobacco. This is insanely delicious with spicy, polished layers of berry fruit and earthy undertones. Ultra-fine, silky tannins. Medium body. Some coffee and mocha notes on the long, focused finish. Fruit from Ski Slope Block. Try from 2025. (Phelps Preferred Shipment Only)

2019 Joseph Phelps Proem No. 1 Pinot Noir, Freestone Estate
99 Points- This has a perfumed nose of sour cherries, violets, orange zest, cloves, potpourri, mushrooms, green olives and hints of coconut. Wow. Packed with layers of juicy red and orange fruit with spices and herbs, framed by silky tannins and a medium body. Long and savory. Keeps going. There’s so much energy. Clone 996 (Calera) pinot noir from Jupiter Block. Hard to resist now, but better from 2024. (Phelps Preferred Shipment Only)

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