HISTORY

In the late 60s, Joseph Phelps was running one of the largest construction companies in the U.S. when he won the bid to build Souverain Winery (now Rutherford Hill) located a few miles outside of St. Helena. Enamored with the beautiful Napa Valley and contemplating a career change, in 1973 he bought the 600-acre Connolly cattle ranch in Spring Valley, and began planting vineyards. The winery was completed in 1974 and that same year the first Syrah was made, the first grapes were crushed at the new facility and the first Insignia was produced. It was a period of unparalleled activity, creativity, ingenuity, entrepreneurship and risk-taking and it put Joe Phelps on the map of top Napa Valley wine producers.

Nearly four decades later, the flagship wine, Insignia, is recognized as one of the world’s great wines. Twenty nine of 34 vintages have been rated ninety or more points by various wine publications. The 2002 vintage was awarded “Wine of the Year” by Wine Spectator Magazine. Over the years, the goal of becoming 100% estate grown resulted in carefully planned acquisitions of prime vineyards in the Napa Valley. Today, the Phelps estate consists of the Spring Valley Home Ranch outside of St. Helena, Banca Dorada in Rutherford, Las Rocas and Barboza vineyards in Stags Leap, Yountville Vineyard in Oak Knoll, Suscol Vineyard in South Napa and Backus Vineyard in Oakville.

Though the main focus is on Bordeaux varietals, Joe Phelps has had a life-long love affair with the wines of Burgundy and a desire to craft wines in that style. Originally Chardonnay was sourced from St. Helena, later from Yountville, and then from Carneros. Through the years, however, Joe continued to search for the ideal spot to grow both Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, and his search ended when the perfect combination of climate, soil and location was found in Freestone, located in the Sonoma Coast AVA, a mere five to eight miles from the Pacific Ocean. In 1999, 200 acres were acquired and planting began. Today, 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay produce remarkable estate-grown wines bearing the Joseph Phelps name.

THE WINES

Freestone:

2012 Fogdog Chardonnay has a fragrant bouquet of honeysuckle, green apple, and stone fruit with notes of wet stone and sweet vanilla. Lush and inviting with waves of green apple, pear, and toasted nuts to compliment the firm acidity and natural minerality in this impeccably balanced Chardonnay.

2012 Fogdog Pinot Noir fills the senses with ripe raspberry, red cherry and plum aromas with touches of fragrant violet, earth and tangerine peel. Youthful, with great energy and racy acidity, this wine is loaded with juicy blackberry, black cherry and black pepper with lingering notes of baking spices. During the Fogdog selection process, we look for wines that boast vibrant fruit characteristics in addition to texture and acidity that are approachable upon release without extended bottle aging.

2012 Freestone Chardonnay is a mix of the best selections from the estate plantings, including some heirloom selections that define its character and structure. Initial aromas fill the senses with stone fruit and honeysuckle followed by citrus zest, wet stone, vanilla and toasted brioche. With a rich, creamy texture cut by crisp acidity, this Chardonnay has great intensity with vibrant, concentrated citrus, lemongrass, peach, honey and lemon crème brûlée flavors. A full-bodied wine that is texturally complete with balanced minerality and a lingering finish.

2011 Freestone Pinot Noir fills the senses with pleasing aromas of cassis, dark plum, dried herbs and earthy notes of cedar and forest floor. A silky mouth feel and lingering flavors of black cherry, allspice, wild mushrooms and black tea mingle with hints of toasty vanilla bean and Freestone’s characteristic tangerine peel. Bright acidity and balanced tannins create a captivating Pinot Noir with a long, rich finish.

Napa Valley:

2011 Cabernet Sauvignon has beautiful aromatics of plum, cherry, currants, coffee, cocoa and hints of allspice, fresh thyme, tobacco and forest floor. The body is laced with integrated tannins, great freshness and red fruit characteristics. The 2011 blend is 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot from 100% estate-grown Napa Valley vineyards: 37% Spring Valley Ranch in St. Helena, 25% Yountville in Oak Knoll District, 13% Suscol in South Napa, 12% Banca Dorada in Rutherford, 7% Stags Leap District and 6% Backus Vineyard in Oakville.

2005 Insignia has a beautiful deep garnet hue with incredible depth and concentration. Aromas of freshly crushed blueberries and blackberries intertwined with baking spices, cigar box and attractive floral notes are followed by seamless tannins, texture and finish. This wine is focused and fresh, with a youthful showiness. Robert Parker says “The wine possesses a European-like structure because of the firm tannins and slight austerity, but it exhibits a beautiful density of fruit. Not yet an adolescent, this youthful 2005 reveals an inky/purple color as well as notes of lead pencil shavings, charcoal, black currants, cedar and underbrush. Full and rich, but backward and structured, it needs to be forgotten for another 3-4 years, and drunk over the following 25 years." 95+ points

BUILD YOUR OWN OFFER

Joseph Phelps has offered us their best pricing.

Save 10% on six or more bottles by ordering through the Wine Director's Diary (password: golf).

2012 Fogdog Chardonnay $28

2012 Fogdog Pinot Noir $28

2012 Freestone Chardonnay $44

2011 Freestone Pinot Noir $44

2011 Joseph Phelps Cabernet Sauvignon $52

2005 Insignia $192

ORDERING
For all questions and orders, contact Jeff McCarthy at 707 569 2906 or [email protected]. Let us know if you would like your wine shipped or placed in your wine locker. Sales tax and appropriate shipping will be added to all orders. Allow 2-3 weeks for account processing and shipping. During extreme weather, wine orders may be held until it is safe to ship.