Joseph Phelps Vineyards Freestone Vineyards Chardonnay 2016

95 Points - new release               Fantastic new Sonoma Coast Chardonnay release from the legendary Joseph Phelps. 95 Points Wine Enthusiast *Editor's Choice*:  "This 100% varietal wine from the cooler outpost of Freestone is so deliciously crisp, bright in minerally lemon and fresh pear. It lingers on the palate in complex ways, elusive one moment, then exuberant the next - a celebration of ideal vintage and place." 93 Points Robert Parker:  "The Chardonnays are all barrel-fermented in puncheons and barrels, and go through 100% malolactic. The Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard has a rock star nose of opulent pineapple, guava and green mango notes with touches of brioche and butterscotch. Medium-bodied with a satiny texture, it fills the palate with intense tropical fruits and savory flavors, marked by a lively backbone and finishing with some minerality.. ...Joseph Phelps has a whopping 102 acres on the Sonoma Coast called the Freestone Vineyard, 82 acres of which is planted in Pinot Noir and the balance Chardonnay. The interesting thing about this site is the bud break can occur as early as February, and the hang time often exceeds the European model of “100 days,” often lasting as long as 120 to140+ days. All of the wines that follow, even in a great vintage such as 2012, rarely exceed 14.2% alcohol, with most coming in under 14%. Their flavor intensity and richness make them fascinating, and I suspect this relatively new operation will get better and better as the vines age, and the Phelps team in Napa continues to fine tune the vineyards and the winemaking."

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