2014 Joseph Phelps Pinot Noir

Mid ruby. Some greenness of fruit on the nose plus sweet, spicy notes. Seems a little constructed rather than organically evolved. Finishes a little suddenly. There is certainly acidity here but not brilliant fruit. Sudden end. (JR)

The 2014 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards is a blend from Phelps’s Pastorale and Quarter Moon sites. Aged 14 months in 35% new French oak, and made from a bevy of Dijon clones as well as the Mt. Eden (believed to be from the Musigny vineyard), this is a big production cuvée of 11,600 cases. The wine has a dark ruby color and a big, sweet kiss of strawberries, raspberries, tart cherries and pomegranate as well as some loamy soil notes, followed by a juicy, medium-bodied mouthfeel and crisp, zesty finish. Drink it over the next 7-8 years.

The 2014 Pinot Noir Freestone Vineyards is a good introduction to the Joseph Phelps Pinots. There is plenty of the trademark intensity readers will find in the vineyard designates, but with a bit more perfume and more approachable structure, all of which make the 2014 a strong choice for drinking over the next few years. Shades of dark red/purplish fruit and sweet floral notes continue to open up effortlessly over time. The 2014 could very well turn out to be an overachiever.