Operatives, 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.”

With little else left to be said, we had loved the 2016 vintage of this, however the 2017 Freestone Chardonnay is something else.

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.

With DOUBLE 94-point scores, backed by a raving Wine Advocate review, and at 30% OFF, this GORGEOUS Chardonnay will be gone like the wind, just like the Pacific breezes that sweep Freestone day and night.

Here’s what the wine press has to say.

94 Points - Antonio Galloni, Vinous - “It is always fascinating to taste Joseph Phelps’ Sonoma Coast wines because they are so markedly different from most, if not all, other wines being made on the coast today. Justin Ennis makes big, bold Chardonnays and Pinots that offer tons of textural richness and yet also convey the energy that is one of the most distinctive attributes of the coast. The 2017 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards is a very pretty and also understated wine from Phelps. Yellow orchard fruit, white flowers, chamomile and lightly honeyed notes all grace this expressive, pliant Chardonnay. Beams of supporting acidity support the nuanced finish. This is in a pretty restrained style for Phelps, and that is not a bad thing, as these wines have, at times, been a bit bombastic.”

94 Points - Jeb Dunnuck - “A white that grows slowly on the palate with dried apples and light pear and lime character. Medium body, bright acidity and a clean and vivid finish. Serious and linear. Drink now. ”

92+ Points – Wine Advocate - “Aged 13 months in 42% new French oak puncheons and barrels, the 2017 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard has an open nose of lush white peach, apricot, baked quince and poached pears with nuances of acacia blossom, wet stone and lemon zest. Medium-bodied, it’s very lively in the mouth with layers of citrus and stone fruit with mineral accents, framed by great tangy acidity, finishing long and clean. ”