Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir
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.
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, 20172011 vintage. Biased review. #josephphelps
2011 vintage. Biased review. #josephphelps
1 person found it helpfulJan 23rd, 2015Good 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