Joseph Phelps Vineyards has unveiled two new wines from its exceptional Freestone Estate in Sonoma. Proem No. 1, from Block 225 of the Quarter Moon Vineyard, and Proem No. 2 from Block 212 of the Pastorale Vineyard.
Proem No. 1 is described as, “A wine of serious distinction and refinement with tantalizing aromas of ripe dark fruit, savory dried herbs and hints of forest floor. An expansive, layered palate of blackberry and black cherry with an effortless tannin structure to create a complex, balanced wine with equal parts grace and power. A pure illustration of the Quarter Moon Vineyard’s complexity and refinement on display to the seamless finish.”
Block 225 of the Quarter Moon Vineyard is planted to 75% clone 90 and 25% clone 96 (both are the same source material as Calera). Proem No. 1 is aged for 15 months in 53% New French oak and 47% used French oak barrels. It has been aged in bottle for over a year prior to release. A one hour decanting is suggested before enjoyment. The winery expects it to be able to be cellared for 10-15 years.
Proem No. 2 is described as, “A wine of distinction and opulence with opening perfumed aromatics of fresh strawberries, candied red cherry and dried rose petals. Expansive in the mouth with layers of red fruit, baking spice and earthy notes. This wine represents a pure expression of the Pastorale Vineyard, highlighting its delicate floral character, strong acid backbone, and deliberate tannin structure that culminates in a complex, elegant offering with a lingering finish.”
Block 212 of the Pastorale Vineyard is planted to 100% Swan clone. Proem No. 2 is aged for 15 months in 55% New French oak and 45% used French oak barrels, and has been aged in bottle for over a year prior to release. A one hour decanting is suggested before enjoyment. The winery expects it to be able to be cellared for 10-15 years.
The Phelps family were some of the first to see potential in the far west side of the Sonoma Coast. They bought property in Freestone in 1999 and since then the area has grown into one of California’s most exciting for pinot noirs.
A set of the Proem pinot noirs is priced at $450 and can be purchased via Joseph Phelps Vineyards’ official website.