2015 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards Quarter Moon Vineyard
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Tasting notes
Another superb effort from winemaker Justin Ennis, the 2015 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard possesses notable richness and exuberance. Dark red cherry, plum, violet, licorice and leather build as this creamy, ample Pinot shows off its distinctive voice. The 24% whole clusters perk up the flavors, but they are also pretty much buried by the sheer luxuriousness of the fruit. New oak is 55%, which is to say down slightly from the recent past.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
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Planted in 1999-2002 to a heavy mix of Calera and 777 clones, the Quarter Moon Vineyard Pinot Noir was produced this year using 24% whole clusters. Medium ruby-purple colored, the 2015 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard has a stunning nose of red roses, violets and orange zest with a core of cranberries, red currants and Bing cherries, plus earthy/underbrush accents. Medium-bodied, the palate is full-on intense with perfumed red berry and earthy flavor layers supported by firm, fine tannins and lively acid, finishing very long.
The 2015 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard, which saw 13 months in 50% new French oak, is a smaller cuvée of only 1,551 cases. This wine looks very strong and the best Pinot Noir from this vineyard to date. The wine exhibits a dark ruby color, big, sweet raspberry, pomegranate and black cherry notes, some earth, herb and spiciness. It is medium-bodied, long and refreshing. Drink it over the next 8-10 years.
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.