Like all the Phelps Chardonnays and Pinots, the 2011 Chardonnay Freestone Vineyard went through a complete malolactic fermentation, and was aged in 40% new French oak for 13 months. It offers a steely minerality as well as abundant white currant, quince and citrus oil characteristics, medium body, wonderful intensity, and a complete, satisfying texture and mouthfeel. Drink it over the next 2-3 years. Joseph Phelps has a whopping 102 acres on the Sonoma Coast called the Freestone Vineyard, 82 acres of which is planted in Pinot Noir and the balance Chardonnay. 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 to140+ days. All of the wines that follow, even in a great vintage such as 2012, 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. www.josephphelps.com