2014 Joseph Phelps Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir Horizontal Tasting Lot — "Pastorale Vineyard - Block 212," "Pastorale Vineyard" & "Quarter Moon Vineyard"

“The 2014 Pinot Noir Quarter Moon Vineyard is impressive. A big, dramatic wine, the Quarter Moon boasts notable palate intensity, superb aromatics and tons of structure. In other words, it has a lot going on. As always, there is considerable depth behind the bold, dark cherry/plum flavors, but what impresses most about the 2014 is its sense of completeness. To be sure, this is a decidedly big Pinot for the Sonoma Coast, yet all the elements are very nicely put together. (AG) 94+” (01/2016)

“From another of the producer's coastal estate sites, this wine is juicy, spicy and leathery—a celebration of fresh wild strawberries and buzzy acidity. Earth, rose and white pepper flavors add welcome complexity within a tightly woven frame of structure and length. (VB)” (08/2017)

“Bright and fruity with lots of sliced strawberry and cherry aromas and flavors, medium to full body, and a juicy finish.” (05/2017)

“There's a purity of fruit in this red with strawberry, cherry and rose petal aromas. Full body, soft and silky tannins and a fresh finish. Fuller style yet shows tension and precision.” (05/2017)

“The 2014 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard is aged again in a combination of new and older oak casks. This is a flowery, raspberry-scented Pinot Noir with some leafy underbrush notes, great fruit on they attack, medium to full body, and plenty of Burgundian character. (RP)” (10/2016)

“Racy and exuberant from the outset, the 2014 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard boasts tremendous depth to match its racy personality. Dark red cherry, cola, plum and spice offer an expression of generosity and radiance that is unusual for the Sonoma Coast. At the same time, there is a good deal of energy behind all of that fruit. (AG)” (02/2016)

“This coastal, cool-climate estate wine is fresh and fruity, with plush tannins that feel velvety on the tongue. Cranberry, pomegranate and orange flavors provide complexity, complemented by black tea and forest floor notes. (VB)” (08/2018)

“Glorious fruit in this red with plum, spice, chocolate and sandalwood aromas and flavors. Full body, layered and superb. Great wine.” (01/2018)

“The best of all these Pinots is the 2014 Pinot Noir Block 212, which comes from a site within the Pastorale Vineyard, planted with the Calera and Swan clones of Pinot Noir. It was aged 14 months in 55% new French oak and exhibits a beautiful nose of white flowers, ripe strawberry and black raspberry fruit as well as some underlying minerality. The wine is medium to full-bodied, rich, and the most concentrated and longest of all the Pinot Noirs in the Phelps portfolio. (RP)” (10/2016)

“The 2014 Pinot Noir Pastorale Vineyard Block 212 is just as distinctive and compelling as it was last year. It is also one of the most savory and nuanced wines I have tasted from Joseph Phelps's Sonoma Coast winery. Lifted and aromatically precise, with a good dose of perfume from the 40% whole clusters, the Block 212 is very nicely done. Hints of dried cherry, dried flowers and mint add the closing shades of nuance. (AG)” (03/2017)