2019 Pinot Noir, Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard

Winemaker Notes The 2019 opens with jammy aromatics of cranberry, orange zest, cherry, clove and incense. A wine of intensity and character with layers of black cherry and forest floor, vivid acidity, and structured tannins. Powerful and brooding, yet refined, the finish is long and satisfying.

Winemaking Data Highlighting a favorite vineyard neighbor on the Sonoma Coast, Bootlegger's Hill is an exciting new vineyard source for Joseph Phelps Vineyards. The Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard blend is 51% Mt. Eden and 49% Calera Pinot Noir with 28% whole cluster fermentation.

Vintage Notes In 2019, bud break occurred around the same time as 2018 but was delayed compared to our historical averages due to cold, saturated soils from the wet winter, particularly in February. Cool weather continued throughout spring with an unusual amount of rainfall which delayed bloom in some areas. Canopy management was key in 2019 due to vigorous growth and moderate temperatures. July was cooler than average, but August and September warmed to push ripening ahead. In 2019, the quality of Pinot Noir along the Sonoma Coast was excellent with well-developed flavors, naturally fresh acidity and superb balance.

Reviews 96 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
Medium ruby, the 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill bursts with classic aromas of cranberry sauce, woodsmoke, black tea leaves, dusty earth, citrus peel and spice. The medium-bodied palate offers perfectly ripe fruits and loads of earthy nuance with a seamless but youthfully firm structure that suggests this elegant, layered wine has more to offer with time in bottle. -EB (June 2021)

96 Points - James Suckling
Lots of blue fruit with juniper and orange-peel notes. Floral and wild-mushroom aromas, too. Full-bodied with dusty tannins and lots of lusciousness and intensity. Compact and tight. Lively and vivid. Drinkable now, but give it a year or two of bottle age. -JS (Jan. 2022)

94 Points - Antonio Galloni's Vinous
The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill is a new wine in this range. It is the biggest and darkest of the Pinots. Black cherry, menthol, licorice, cloves and incense add character in a decidedly brooding, powerful Pinot. -AG (Jan. 2021)

93 Points - Jeb Dunnuck
The 2019 Pinot Noir Bootlegger's Hill follows suit, offering an incredibly complex, perfumed style. Black cherries, dried strawberries, orange tea, and candied violet notes define the bouquet, and it's medium-bodied, polished, and seamless on the palate, with a similar savoriness and length. Another Burgundian beauty from this team, it should have 7-8 years of overall longevity. -JD (July 2021)

Tasting Notes Download Tasting Notes (pdf)