Vineyard: Pastorale

Articles mentioning wines produced from this vineyard

Drinking Bigger (8.27 12/14/2010)
Recently Tasted Notable California Pinot Noirs (10.35 8/16/2016)
Freestone Vineyards (7.5 11/2/2008)
Sips of California Pinot Noir (9.26 6/23/2013)
Freestone Vineyards Fall Releases are Exceptional (8.7 12/16/2009)
Sips of California Chardonnay & A Few Other Whites (9.26 6/23/2013)
Sips of California Pinot Noir: Recently Sampled Wines (9.23 4/13/2013)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.24 6/9/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (9.41 5/15/2014)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (10.22 12/12/2015)
2009 California Praiseworthy Pinots (8.46 11/29/2011)
On the Pinot Trail: Recent Winery Visits (8.12 3/11/2010)

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Freestone Vineyards
Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2016 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 2,725 cases, $60. 100% estate grown from Freestone vineyards. Aged 13 months in 35% new and 65% once-used French oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. The nose wows you with aromas of lemon pie, buttery croissant, apple and pear. Well-endowed with flavors of lemon, yellow grapefruit and pineapple that are lifted with a backbone of crisp acidity. A deft touch of oak is pleasing, as is the tightly wound, citrus-driven finish that offers some aromatic persistence. A classic cool-climate Chardonnay. Score: 94. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2016 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 3,015 cases, $60. Estate grown. 51% Pastorale and 49% Quarter Moon vineyards. Aged 13 months in 38% new and 62% two-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate dark garnet color in the glass. A melange of dark fruit aromas and oak-driven toast and tobacco. Mid weight in style, with flavors of purple and black fruits that flood the palate with goodness. A fruit-driven wine with silken tannins and a modest finish. Not particularly challenging but not every wine needs to be. Enjoy this wine for its beautiful fruit. When tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had not surpassed its opening character and a little more oak infusion was evident. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2014 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 11,600 cases, $55. Release in fall 2016. Estate grown. 51% Quarter Moon Vineyard and 49% Pastorale Vineyard. Aged 13 months in French oak barrels, 35% new and 65% used oak puncheons and barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Delightful aromas of black cherry, blackberry, exotic spices and underbrush. Mid weight flavors of purple berries, plum, blood orange, spice and herbs combine for an enjoyable experience that is both fruity and savory. Nicely balanced with juicy acidity. Score: 92. Reviewed August 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 9,375 cases, $55. 100% estate grown, 40% Pastorale Vineyard and 60% Quarter Moon Vineyard. Aged 13 months in 35% new and 65% 2 to 3 year old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose is complex and persistent with hi-tone aromas of dark cherry, blackberry, forest floor, spice and red licorice. A seamless wine with serious extract of black raspberry and blackberry fruits nicely accented with spice and oak. The finish is remarkably intense, leaving quite an impression. Probably the most concentrated Pinot Noir ever from this very cool locale, yet displays the cool-climate vibrancy to support the fruit load. A beauty that will attract many fans. Score: 94. Reviewed May 15, 2014 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.9% alc., $75. This 34.5-acre estate vineyard surrounds the Freestone winery and is but 8 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. Calera and 777 clones. 30% whole cluster. 33% fermented in oak open top fermenters. Aged 14 months in 55% new and 45% 2-year-old and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Haunting aromas of black cherry, sous-bois, rose petal and spice box. A truly harmonious drinking experience with every component singing in tune. Delicious flavors of black cherry and black raspberry with an accent of exotic spices and black tea. The fruit holds on to the peacock finish for what seems like a minute. Perfectly integrated acidity holds the rich fruit in balance.This wine is true to its mission. Score: 95. Reviewed December 12, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc.,pH 3.31, TA 0.70, 2,150 cases, $55. 100% MLF. Aged 13 months in 40% new and 60% two to three-year-old French oak puncheons and barrels. · Light golden straw color and clear in the glass. A very embraceable wine with hi-spirited aromas of spiced apple, lemon, creme brulee and vanilla cream, and sparkling flavors of lemon curd, green apple and a hint of pear. Oak is understated but supportive. Very juicy with lively acidity and a chalky, mineral blessed finish. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Joseph Phelps Freestone Vineyards Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.48, TA 0.67, 3,385 cases, $55. 59% Pastorale Vineyard and 41% Quarter Moon Vineyard. Aged 13 months in 40% new and 60% two- to three-year-old French oak barrrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very nicely perfumed with aromas of black cherries, exotic spice and a hint of toasty new oak. Delicious burst of cherry goodness on the palate with an electric cut of acidity in the background. A little spice and a subtle green note are sensed in the background. Silky textured with supple tannins. Not a blockbuster by any means, but impressive for the vintage and wine that whole cluster aficionados will appreciate. Very good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2010 Joseph Phelps Pastorale Vineyard Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., pH 3.53, TA 0.60, 550 cases, $75. This 34.5-acre vineyard surrounds the Freestone winery facility and is 8 miles from the Pacific coast. Aged in 70% new and 30% two and three-year- old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Shy aromas of dark cherries and blackberries with subtle spice and oak highlights. Impressive concentration without weight, offering earthbound flavors of dark red and black fruits including purple grapes with a hint of spice and tobacco-laced oak. Impeccable balance and a finish that hangs on tenaciously. The next day when sampled from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine had blossomed further, becoming an “Oh my God” wine. Reviewed April 13, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Fogdog Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 4,600 cases, $35. 100% estate grown that is approachable upon release. Aged 14 months in 35% new and 65% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Lovely perfume of baking-spiced pie cherries. Light and crisp red cherry and red berry flavor with a slight confected tone, complimented by a subtle savory herbal element in the background, finishing with bright citrus-driven acidity. A lighter, soft and elegant wine designed for upfront drinkability. The combination of lower alcohol and refreshing acidity makes this wine a perfect dining companion. Good (+). Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Freestone Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 2,250 cases, $55. A mix of the best selections from the estate Pastorale Vineyard including some heirloom selections. 100% MLF. Aged 15 months in 55% new and 45% two and three-year-old French oak barrels. · Medium straw yellow color in the glass. Enticing and complex on the nose, showing aromas of spicy baked pears, toasted brioche, caramel, vanilla creme and toffee. Very tasty core of baked pears and apples with prominent notes of toast and caramel. Smooth on the palate with hi-strung acidity on the crisp finish. Plenty of oak-driven character in this wine. Good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Freestone Estate Grown Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 4,660 cases, $55. From Pastorale and Quarter Moon Vineyards. Aged 15 months in 55% new and 45% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately deep reddish-purple color in the glass. Subdued nose initially, picking up intensity over time in the glass offering a fresh blend of cherries and berries with a floral element in the background. Very impressive concentration, even sappy on the mid palate, with generous and expressive flavors of black cherries, black raspberries and Hoison sauce, lifted by hi-tone acidity, and caressed by gentle, ripe tannins. An impressive hedonistic style of wine with the right touch of acidity, a creamy mouth feel and admirable balance. Good approachability now but with excellent aging potential. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., 210 cases, $75. From the best block planted at Pastorale Vineyard and contains two heirloom selections. 100% MLF. Aged 16 months in 65% new and 35% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. · Light straw yellow color and clear in the glass. More reserved and sophisticated than the Estate Grown Chardonnay with aromas of white peaches, creme brulee, slate and parchment. Understated but alluring with layers of interest including flavors of baked apples, lemon meringue pie, and toffee with a special underpinning of minerals. Seamless, with great balance, finishing with a welcoming riff of citrusy acidity, urging on the drinker to take another sip. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2009 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.1% alc., 270 cases, $75. A special selection from two special blocks planted to a Calera selection, one undergoing whole berry fermentation with partial whole clusters and the other 100% whole cluster fermented in an oak open-top tank. Aged 15 months in 70% new and 30% two to three-year-old French oak barrels. Both fermentations were gently macerated. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Complex nose of black pie cherries, spice, earth and brioche building in intensity over time in the glass. Delicious array of shy red and black fruit flavors that are layered and polished, accompanied by notable fruit tannins, and a bright cut of acidity on the spiced fruit laden finish. Leafy notes from stem inclusion add interest. Even better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Warrants cellaring. Very good. Reviewed November 29, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

Barrel sample. From a single 500L oak puncheon. · Strikingly nuanced with aromas of yellow stone fruits, spice and petrol. Rich and mouth filling white peaches, tropical fruits and citrus combine with subtle oak highlights to produce a beautifully composed wine that will be special when bottled. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc.. 100% whole cluster fermented. Calera and 828 clones. · Deep, dark color. Flush with dark stone fruits and dark chocolate on the nose and palate with more extraction, ripeness and tannin than the Quarter Moon bottling or the 2007 bottling of this wine. Reviewed March 11, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 50 cases, $100. Before pressing, the whole grape clusters were lightly crushed by stomping on the grapes in the bins to liberate some grape solids and facilitate the extraction process during pressing. After native yeast fermentation, the wine was aged 16 months in a large oak puncheon, with bi-monthly bâtonnage. · Light golden, clear straw color in the glass. Needs some coaxing to open in the glass, but over time offers an alluring perfume of apple pandowdy, Asian pear and buttered toast. Similar in flavor profile to the Sonoma Coast bottling, but with added notes of roasted nuts, minerals and lemon zest. A sneaky wine that picks up intensity and interest with swirling in the glass and provides a full-on explosion of flavor after 30 minutes. A subtle creaminess and hi-tone acidity add to the appeal. Worth the tab for serious Chardonnay aficionados and in the same class as other top producers of Chardonnay in California such as Peter Michael, Kistler, Littorai, Hanzell and Ramey. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., 143 cases, $100. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Great nose indicating something serious is to follow. A chameleon of a wine that changes constantly in the glass. Aromas of black cherries, exotic spices including cardamom, red rose petals and the slightest sweet oak. You would need to empty your entire spice cabinet into a bin of grape juice to duplicate the complex nuances and mysteries in this wine. The core is a mix of berries and stone fruits with an edgy, sauvage character from the whole cluster. Brisk and bright, satiny in the mouth, this wine is flat-out great. Tasted over the next two days from an opened and re-corked bottle, the wine held forth its allure indicating a long life ahead. A connoisseur’s Pinot Noir. Reviewed December 14, 2010 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freestone Vineyards Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 50 cases, $90-$100 when released. Wood tank and whole cluster fermented, aged in 60% new French oak. 98% Calera selection from the Pastorale Vineyard (formerly part of the Freestone Vineyard, this is the estate vineyard that surrounds the winery). · A confected cherry nose leads to a rich and full dark fruited wine with an earthy edge. Nicely spiced and oaked with chewy tannins and great depth. Still a puppy. Reviewed November 2, 2008 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

13.5% alc., 108 cases, $100. · Golden yellow color. Constantly changing aromatic profile in the glass showing lemon curd, butterscotch and buttered popcorn. Discreet richness and body with bright mineral-driven lemon flavor underlain with light caramel and roasted nuts. Delicately viscous with an appealing persistence of citrus on the clean finish. I believe even more charm and complexity will come with time in the cellar. This Chardonnay will match up with any comparably priced top white Burgundy. Very good (+) Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2007 Freestone Pastorale Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.0% alc., 67 cases, $100. · Very complex array of aromas including black cherries, blackberries, forest floor, flower garden and spice. The savory core of earth-dusted and spiced dark fruits is unctuous and thoroughly satisfying. Framed by supple dry tannins, the fruit lingers long and lush on the finish. Beautifully crafted and harmonious in every way. Reviewed December 16, 2009 WINERY » ARTICLE »