January 30, 2022 - Nice typicity and well balanced, oak is toasty but restrained against fresh pineapple/tropical fruits with green apple flavors supporting the solid acid component, while notes of lemony citrus cut across a creamy texture on a 30+ second mouthwatering finish. Admirable.
February 13, 2021 - I decanted for 45 minutes and had with sautéed scallops over zucchini noodles.
The appearance is medium with a a lemony colour. The nose is light with hints of lemon and grapefruit. Subtle cream
On the palate it was off dry, medium body. Flavor Intensity was medium. I tasted lemon, cream and slight pepper.
The finish was short with abit of white pepper. Overall a great wine. Very smooth. This was my last bottle.
July 4, 2020 - This is the real deal. I look for balance in these larger scaled calaifornia chardonnay. Phelps delivers with sweet grilled pineapple, honeycrisp apple, hint a of oak and a rounded palate feel. Never overbearing, but has depth and richness. Not quite at the AG level for me but a really good wine.
May 9, 2020 - I think it will need a few more years in bottle to really deliver what it can achieve
January 1, 2020 - Drank without food. Delightful sipping. Lemon custard.
September 3, 2019 - Celebrating my birthday with family at The Girl and the Fig in Sonoma. Better than the bottle I had in June in that the oak is now more fully integrated. Again, citrus and melon on the nose. Bosc pear and some filbert-like nuances in the mouth. Still young,
August 21, 2019 - This round and disjointed Chardonnay may need some time to unfold, but right now it's angular and sweet. Light yellow in color; full in body; nose of lemon peel, orange marmalade, and saline. Tastes of green apple, grapefruit, gooseberry, and honey, with a tart, almost bitter finish. 14.1% alcohol. Wait until 2020 to open.
I tasted this next to a 2016 Kistler Vine Hill, which confirmed that the Phelps is throwing off more a sugary flavor and oily mouthfeel. I have no idea what AG was thinking here (95?), but it's not a bad wine at $40 - it's just not anywhere near a great wine, either.
June 27, 2019 - Named after the town of Freestone, this is located on the lower part of the Pastorale vineyard. 100% estate grown aged in 13 months in new and used French oak. This wine shows aromas of citrus, ripe stone fruit, hazelnut and a little toasted brioche, the palate was joyful yet delicate with good acidity and soft fruits, lightly round lemon bake crust and a delicate finish. Drink this now over the next 3 years.
June 19, 2019 - I don't think this wine is showing all its cards yet but I don't see it reaching AG's 95 point one of the best in the vintage level yet. You can do a lot worse for $40 out there.
June 9, 2019 - With Estie st Marigny Brasserie in New Orleans. Medium yellow color. Fragrant citrus and honeydew on the nose. Citrus, apple, vanilla and caramel on the palate. Young and probably still needs a year (oak not yet fully integrated), but still a nice wine.