Vineyard: Phelps

AppellationHumboldt County
VarietiesPinot Noir

Wineries sourcing from this vineyard

Reviewed wines produced from this vineyard

2013 Briceland Vineyards Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 212 cases, $31. A blend from four southern Humboldt County vineyards: Lost Coast, Espey, Elk Prarie and Phelps. Aged 1 year in a combination of mostly older Virginia and French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. The nose has a prominent oak overlay with clove and vanilla scents dominating the black cherry fruit. Much better on the palate with a mid weight charge of cherry and raspberry fruit that fills the mouth with plenty of sweet sap. A mellow wine with plenty of Pinot charm sporting modest tannins and crisp acidity. Considerably more appealing the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with plenty of black cherry and spice presence supported by oak. Score: 89. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2013 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.5% alc., 148 cases, $35. Aged 1 year in a combination of Virginia and French oak barrels of which about 20% were new. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish purple hue in the glass. A cherry-fueled wine with notes of conifer and oak adding a notable contribution. Discreetly concentrated with juicy acidity and a long, cherry-fueled finish. Much better the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle with better integration of oak. Score: 90. Reviewed January 23, 2015 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2012 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.7% alc., 25 cases, $45. A blend of grapes from Phelps, Ronda’s and Elk Prarie vineyards, held for more than 30 months in oak and bottled in the fall of 2015. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. Considerable nuances in this wine offering aromas of dark stone and berry fruits, woodfern, underbrush and bittersweet chocolate. The full-bodied flavors of blackest cherry and blackberry are augmented by an appealing peppery spice. Substantial tannins attack the finish with a vengeance, but are well matched to the fruit load. Decant if you drink now, but a few years in the cellar would be preferable. Score: 92. Reviewed January 17, 2016 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., $27. A relatively warm site in a cool year farmed by Pam and Todd Phelps. Small yields due to poor crop set which also led to less firm tannins and concentration. Aged 12 months in oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Medium reddish-purple hue in the glass. Brooding aromas of dark red berry preserves and forest floor. Real density and intensity of flavor with structured tannins and an amazingly long finish. Dark red cherries and berries are at the core which has a savory undertone. Score: 91. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2011 Briceland Vineyards Reserve Humboldt County Pinot Noir

13.6% alc., 25 cases, $45. Inaugural offering. A blend of 2011 vintages from Bosco, Phelps and Ronda’s vineyards. Aged 18 months in oak barrels. · The nose is rather shy, offering only a hint of dark red fruit and oak aromas. The flavor profile is more developed with delicious notes of perfectly ripened black cherries, black raspberries and plum underlain with hints of graham and cardamom spice. The fruit has real presence on the palate and offers layers of pleasure. Beautifully balanced with well-integrated acidity and tannins. Very impressive length on the peacock tail finish. This wine needs more time in the cellar for the nose to catch up to the palate. Score: 95. Reviewed July 21, 2013 WINERY » ARTICLE »

2008 Bricelands Vineyards Phelps Vineyard Humboldt County Pinot Noir

14.2% alc., 50 cases, $27. Phelps Vineyard is located on Elk Ridge and is farmed by Pam and Todd Phelps. Aged 1 year in French oak barrels. Unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate reddish-purple hue in the glass. Aromatically a bit shy initially, but builds in intensity over time in the glass becoming rather flamboyant and displaying scents of ripe, savory dark red fruits. Delicious, even striking, display of dark red stone fruits that fan out on the palate with subtle notes of Asian spice and plum sauce. Elegant and silky textured with remarkable persistence on the pleasing finish. A steamy seductress. Reviewed January 27, 2011 WINERY » ARTICLE »