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Winemaker on the Hot Seat: 10 Rapid-Fire Questions, Zero Hesitation Pt. 9
•4:52

Winemaker on the Hot Seat: 10 Rapid-Fire Questions, Zero Hesitation Pt. 9

0:00 / 4:52

Tonight's Episode

The rapid-fire rundown: Joe Phelps began his search for the perfect cool-climate site in the 90s. The two estate vineyards behind the vineyard-designate wines are Quarter Moon and Pastorale. Before this year's national release, the wines were only available winery direct or through the Phelps Preferred membership.

The 2024 Pastorale Chardonnay carries an oceanic signature — Forrest's notes say saline breezes, Justin says salt air, and they call it close enough. That leads to the best moment of the episode: Justin admits even winemakers struggle with wine adjectives. His advice? If something creates thought provocation and you keep wanting to drink it, that's the clear-cut sign of quality. Skip the fluffy wine words. Make it accessible for everyone — which is exactly what The Best 5 Minute Wine Podcast is all about.

More from the hot seat: Joseph Phelps joined the Moët Hennessy side of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy) in 2022 — the LV side is fashion and perfume, Moët Hennessy is wine and spirits. The two natural forces shaping the Freestone microclimate: the Pacific Ocean and the Petaluma Gap, funneling marine air and fog into Sonoma County. The tiny town of Freestone sits off a quiet highway heading toward Bodega Bay. Joseph Phelps farms roughly 500 acres across nine estate vineyards. The most accessible bottle in the lineup, the 2023 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, comes in at $75. And the 2023 Quarter Moon Pinot? For lovers of savory texture, depth, and ageability. Mic drop.

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Key Takeaways

  • Joe Phelps began searching for the perfect cool-climate site in the 1990s, leading to the development of Quarter Moon and Pastorale estate vineyards.
  • Joseph Phelps joined the Moët Hennessy division of LVMH in 2022, which handles wine and spirits while the LV side focuses on fashion and perfume.
  • The Freestone microclimate is shaped by two natural forces: the Pacific Ocean and the Petaluma Gap, which funnel marine air and fog into Sonoma County.
  • Winemakers themselves struggle with wine adjectives; the key to identifying quality wine is whether it provokes thought and keeps you wanting to drink it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the two estate vineyards behind Joseph Phelps' vineyard-designate wines?

Quarter Moon and Pastorale.

When were the Pastorale and Quarter Moon wines first released nationally?

Before this year's national release, they were only available winery direct or through the Phelps Preferred membership.

What oceanic characteristics are noted in the 2024 Pastorale Chardonnay?

Saline breezes and salt air, described as having an oceanic signature.

How many acres does Joseph Phelps farm across how many estate vineyards?

Roughly 500 acres across nine estate vineyards.

What is the price of the most accessible bottle in the Joseph Phelps lineup?

The 2023 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir is $75.