Joseph Phelps Vineyards

Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir

9.114 ratings
9.13 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Pinot Noir
Turkey, Game, Exotic Spices, Soft Cheese, Duck, Goose, Salads & Greens, Potato, Quinoa, Farro, Brown Rice, White Rice, Pasta, Herbs, Nuts & Seeds, Mushrooms, Chicken, Meaty & Oily Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Stew, Onion, Shallot, Garlic, Salami & Prosciutto, Salmon, Quinoa, Shellfish
Top Notes For
David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

8.9

For me, the Joseph Phelps Pinots have improved over the last 5 years. The 2011 vintage overall in Sonoma/Napa is far from my favorite. The growning season was simply not that good (too cool) and Joseph Phelps was still finding their way with their Pinots. This drinks easy and smooth but, nothing about it really stands out on the palate.

On the nose, sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers.

The body is medium edging toward full. It’s round, ripe and lush. It’s a good time to open your 11 JP Pinots and drink up. Their 11 Pinots aren’t waning but, not going to improve. The mid palate also leans a bit. Sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries, pomegranate,, dry cranberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, light medium intensity dark spice, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is beautiful due to the cool climate. The finish is good, balanced, smooth, dances with elegance but doesn’t dazzle. Finishes a little short.

Photos of; their Sonoma Pinot vineyard, Sonoma Visitor Center which, is now closed and a couple shots of their Rutherford tasting room.

Each year since 12, the quality of their Pinots has inched up in quality and are more cellar worthy.

For me, the Joseph Phelps Pinots have improved over the last 5 years. The 2011 vintage overall in Sonoma/Napa is far from my favorite. The growning season was simply not that good (too cool) and Joseph Phelps was still finding their way with their Pinots. This drinks easy and smooth but, nothing about it really stands out on the palate.

On the nose, sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers.

The body is medium edging toward full. It’s round, ripe and lush. It’s a good time to open your 11 JP Pinots and drink up. Their 11 Pinots aren’t waning but, not going to improve. The mid palate also leans a bit. Sweet, dark cherries, strawberries, cherries, black cherries, touch of blackberries, pomegranate,, dry cranberries and wafting blueberry notes. Light vanilla & cinnamon, light medium intensity dark spice, black cherry cola. dark, rich sweet soil, hint of smoke/savory meat, limestone, dry crushed rock powder, black tea and dark fresh & withering flowers. The acidity is beautiful due to the cool climate. The finish is good, balanced, smooth, dances with elegance but doesn’t dazzle. Finishes a little short.

Photos of; their Sonoma Pinot vineyard, Sonoma Visitor Center which, is now closed and a couple shots of their Rutherford tasting room.

Each year since 12, the quality of their Pinots has inched up in quality and are more cellar worthy.

1 person found it helpfulSep 3rd, 2018
Sidney Parisi

Like a handful of seashells taken home from the beach, cherry cola, intriguing, seductive earth.

Like a handful of seashells taken home from the beach, cherry cola, intriguing, seductive earth.

1 person found it helpfulJul 14th, 2017
Priscilla Ferry

Great everyday Pinot!

Great everyday Pinot!

1 person found it helpfulOct 10th, 2015
Mitzi Inglis

Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

9.2

2011 vintage. Biased review. #josephphelps

2011 vintage. Biased review. #josephphelps

1 person found it helpfulJan 23rd, 2015
Christina Engen

Yum

1 person found it helpfulJul 6th, 2014
Sarah Parker

More Wild Card wine...

More Wild Card wine...

1 person found it helpfulJan 5th, 2014
Jayson Noland

Good but not great - not as much dimension as some other Sonoma coast wines

Good but not great - not as much dimension as some other Sonoma coast wines

Mar 15th, 2015
Skip Smyser

Young, fruity and full of flavor. Would let it sit for another year or so

Young, fruity and full of flavor. Would let it sit for another year or so

Apr 20th, 2014
Tom Weber

Tom had this 9 years ago

Tom had this 9 years ago

Jan 2nd, 2016
Pascal Borghino

Pascal had this 10 years ago

Pascal had this 10 years ago

Apr 18th, 2015