Winemaker on the Hot Seat: 10 Rapid-Fire Questions, Zero Hesitation Pt. 9
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When did Joseph Phelps begin his search for the perfect cool‑climate site?
Welcome, welcome to the best five-minute wine podcast with Forrest Kelly. As we close our conversation with Senior Director of Winemaking, Sonoma County, Justin, we put him on the hot seat with some questions. Joseph Phelps began his search for the perfect cool climate site in what decade? The 90s. What are the names of the two distinct estate vineyards, Freestone, that produce the vineyard-designated wines?
That would be Quarter Moon Vineyard and the Pastoral Vineyard.
Freestone wines were previously only available two ways, winery direct and through allocation to what name membership group?
The Phelps Preferred Membership.
Ladies and gentlemen, he is not even hesitating on these answers. Right on it. The 2024 Freestone Chardonnay. How do you say that again?
What are the two estate vineyards that produce the Freestone vineyard‑designated wines?
How do you say it? Passerelle.
Passerelle Chardonnay.
Is described as having an oceanic signature with a distant echo of what specific sensory note?
Salt
air. Okay, the answer that it spit out was saline breezes. Salinity,
yeah, salt there, similar, yeah, I'm not too far
off. Bolstered by a bright minerality.
This is where I think sometimes wine can be polarizing and intimidating. I think that wine quality is so subjective, right? And even myself, as a winemaker, I struggle with adjectives for describing wine. But you know what's funny?
How is the 2024 Freestone Chardonnay described and what sensory note defines its oceanic signature?
When you put something in your mouth and it creates thought-provotion and you continually want to keep drinking it, that is the clear-cut sign of quality and the clear-cut sign of something that you're enjoying and you should just go with it. You don't need to have all the answers of like, what is this fruit I'm having or what is this sensation that I'm having? A little less intimidating with the fluffy wine words and stuff like that.
That's what we're all about here at the Best 5-Minute Wine Podcast.
Right. Make it accessible. Make it accessible for everyone.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards became part of which luxury group's wine estate's portfolio in 2022? That would
be Louis Vuitton, Moet Hennessy, and more specifically, the Moet Hennessy side of the LVMH.
And what exactly does that mean? You said a word in there that intonates purses.
Right.
Why does Justin say winemakers should skip fluffy adjectives and focus on thought‑provoking taste?
So, yes, we're owned by the umbrella company of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. The Louis Vuitton side, the LV, is the fashion, jewelry, perfume, textile side of the business. And the Moet Hennessy side is the wine and spirit side of that group. The wine and spirit side. So we're under the Moet Hennessy side of that company.
Okay, what two natural forces shape the microclimate at the Freestone Estate Vineyards? Say that question again? What two natural forces shape the microclimate?
I would say the Pacific Ocean and our proximity to the ocean and the Petaluma Gap. So, geological opening that really allows a lot of marine air and fog and cool marine breeze to funnel into Sonoma County.
Okay, perfect. Yeah, because you mentioned that earlier about the fires, you know, blowing all that stuff in.
Which luxury group did Joseph Phelps Vineyards join in 2022 and what does the Moët Hennessy side represent?
The tiny, unincorporated town of Freestone sits off a quiet highway heading toward what coastal destination?
It's Bodega Bay.
Joseph Phelps Vineyards Farms, approximately how many acres across nine estate vineyards?
Ooh, that's the Napa question. I would say that's about 500 acres.
Oh, man, you got that one right. Let's see here. Two more questions. What is the price point of the 2023 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir?
I think it is $75.
Yeah, that's the most accessible wine price-wise in the lineup. And the last question, you described the 2023 Quarter Moon Pinot as compelling choice for wine lovers who appreciate what three qualities in Pinot Noir?
What natural forces shape the Freestone microclimate and how do they affect the wines?
Ooh, um... Yeah, so the three would be savory, texture, with depth, and ageability. There you go.
That's it. That's drop the mic moment. That's awesome. Cool. This was great. Thank you. I appreciate
that. Thank you, Forrest.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
When did Joseph Phelps begin his search for the perfect cool‑climate site?
0:04–1:00
2
What are the two estate vineyards that produce the Freestone vineyard‑designated wines?
1:00–1:40
3
How is the 2024 Freestone Chardonnay described and what sensory note defines its oceanic signature?
1:40–2:33
4
Why does Justin say winemakers should skip fluffy adjectives and focus on thought‑provoking taste?
2:33–3:28
5
Which luxury group did Joseph Phelps Vineyards join in 2022 and what does the Moët Hennessy side represent?
3:28–4:12
6
What natural forces shape the Freestone microclimate and how do they affect the wines?
4:12–4:40
Speakers
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