2019 Joseph Phelps Chardonnay Freestone Vineyards Sonoma Coast

Community Tasting Notes (9) Avg Score: 91.6 points

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  4/23/2024 - djhammond Likes this wine: 95 Points

  An excellent New World Chardonnay, which could give top Burgundy domaines a run for their money. Apple, citrus and nougat are prominent, with perfect acidity and balance. This should not be over chilled. As noted last time, the finish does not quite match the rest of the experience, and is a barrier to a higher rating.

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  9/6/2023 - djhammond Likes this wine: 94 Points

  Part of my exploration for New World "Burgundys", and this didn't disappoint. It is not overly oaked, but possesses a restrained butteriness which is balanced by the citrus. The palate is beautifully rounded with stewed apple and peach, and has excellent depth. I do agree with a fellow reviewer that this would merit another point or two if the finish showed more complexity. All in all, this, is great value and could easily go head to head with Cru Burgundys. A post note this really develops in the glass after an hour or two, and as it loses its chill. 94+

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  7/23/2023 - grafighter Likes this wine: 91 Points

  Enjoyed and paired well with Lebanese dishes.

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  3/31/2023 - Andrew Vaughan Likes this wine: 92 Points

  More oak than I normally like but it was very graceful despite. Very quaffable.

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  3/2/2023 - Hi.its.Don.4.Wine Likes this wine: 94 Points

  I Know How to Pick 'Em
  
  It’s quite easy for me to pick good, and even great, wines. It all starts with reviews and scores. Today’s wine was a no-brainer in that it started with a very good 91 Point review and only went up from there to a whopping 95 Points! A 92 and a couple of 94 Point reviews were the toppings.
  
  Not that reviews are the end-all, but they do lend a hand in my selecting wines I have yet to sample, and they did play a role in my purchase of said wine. Wait, I haven’t said the wine. Let’s clear that up. It’s the
  
  Joseph Phelps Chardonnay, Freestone Vineyards, Sonoma Coast 2019
  
  Blended from 100% estate-grown and sustainable Chardonnay vineyards from Phelps Freestone Vineyards (Quarter Moon and Pastorale Vineyard), it is aged for 14 months in 44% new and 56% used French oak puncheons and barrels.
  
  That generous Sonoma fruit, alongside a vein of minerality, makes this a keeper. A slight butter note entwined with citrus, stone fruit, and a balanced yet subtle acidity brings heft to this wine to the brink of outstanding, but I must give due as well. This is another Cali chard that is transforming into a more Burgundian-styled Chardonnay, a style that I have been trending to for a while now.
  
  Since I started on reviews and points earned, I’ll end on it as well.
  
  The wine is scrumptious. A tad bit more minerality and a little less of the butter note, and it would be a 95 to 96 Pointer, no question. As is, it commands a solid 94 rating, which is a keeper for me and should be for those serious Chardonnay drinkers out there.
  
  Cheers

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