If you have not yet visited Joseph Phelps in Napa Valley, take our word for it, their tasting room and experience are unrivaled. There you can taste it all, current, and library vintages of the legendary Insignia along with their cool-climate Freestone gems such as this Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast. No matter how you dissect it, Phelps is one of the most iconic of California wineries and Freestone is one cool, magical place.

There’s no one who could explain why better than Robert Parker; “Joseph Phelps has 20 acres of Chardonnay on the Sonoma Coast called the Freestone Vineyard. The interesting thing about this site is the bud break can occur as early as February, and the hang time often exceeds the European model of ‘100 days,’ often lasting as long as 120 to 140+ days. All of the wines, even in a great vintage, rarely exceed 14.2% alcohol, with most coming in under 14%. Their flavor intensity and richness make them fascinating, and I suspect this relatively new operation will get better and better as the vines age, and the Phelps team in Napa continues to fine tune the vineyards and the winemaking.”

Stunning luminosity with white gold accents that twinkle and dance with the light. Lemon curd, white flowers, nectarine, and a kiss of honeysuckle and spice emerge on the expressive nose. Possesses Grand Cru Chablis-like acidity, clean, pure, precise texture salty minerality on the palate. Fleshy and textured on the tight and expansive finish, it’s a true joy to drink today, or cellar. An ideal dish with it would be pan-seared halibut on mushroom risotto with almost too much butter and parmesan.

Here’s what the wine press has to say.

95 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous - “The 2016 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards is rich, bold and luscious. Apricot, orange peel, lemon confit, white flowers, biscuit and honey resonate in this beautifully layered, ample Chardonnay. The Freestone is one of the most dramatic, full-bodied Chardonnays readers will find in this part of the Sonoma Coast.”

94 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate - “The 2016 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard features delicate lemon juice, orange blossoms and baking bread notes with hints of white grapefruit, chalk dust, yuzu and lemongrass. The palate is medium to full-bodied, very refreshing and tightly wound at this youthful stage, with super intense citrus flavors and gorgeous mineral sparks, finishing long and savory.”

94 Points - James Suckling - “Love the salty and mineral character to this wine with lime and lemon undertones. Zest and creamy undertones, too. Full body and tangy acidity. Intensely long and flavorful.”

94 Points - Wine Enthusiast - “Year after year, this wine from this spectacular cool-climate site impresses. Crisp notions of green apple are followed by high-toned acidity etched in Meyer lemon and Key lime flavors. The fresh, fruity core is given a grip of oak on the finish.”

94 Points - PinotFile - “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.”