2011 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards Quarter Moon Vineyard

The 2011 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard reveals notes of charcuterie, cherry jam and hints of raspberries and lavender. This rich, medium to full-bodied, strong 2011 should drink nicely for 5-6 years. Interestingly, there are 1,000 cases of this wine made from 50% Dijon clones and 50% Calera clone. 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. www.josephphelps.com

Next to the Freestone and Pastorale Pinots, the 2011 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard comes across as a bit simple. There is good up-front juiciness in the fruit, but less of the complexity, personality and pure breed that elevates those two wines.