Joseph Phelps Vineyards Le Mistral

Notes - Founded in 1972, the winery and home vineyards of Joseph Phelps are located in Spring Valley near St. Helena. Phelps has developed estate-owned vineyards in the premiere growing regions of Stag's Leap, Rutherford, Oakville, Oak Knoll and the eastern foothills of Napa. In Sonoma County, an ambitious project was undertaken in 1999 to purchase land and develop vineyards along the western frontier of the Sonoma Coast, and today Phelps has 80 acres of Pinot Noir and 20 acres of Chardonnay planted in Freestone. Long known for his innovative spirit and passion for quality, Joe Phelps pioneered a number of "firsts" in the early years of the winery. In 1990, after years of research, a whole new family of Rhône-style wines was introduced which today includes Syrah, Viognier and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape style blend called Le Mistral. 59% Syrah, 23% Grenache, 5% Petite Sirah, 5% Alicante Bouschet, 8% Carignan. Estate-grown fruit from Monterey County comprised 92% of the blend, with the balance from independent growers. The 2005 is a lovely dark colour, the nose is smoky and quite rhone-y. There are hints of pencil shavings, wood, spices, white pepper and red fruits.One the palate there are flavours of cocoa, dark chocolate, more dark red fruits, plums and spice. The finish is surprisingly soft, with a touch of sweetness a long, concentrated and quite creamy finish.
 
     

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