Joseph Phelps Vineyards: 2002 White Pastiche

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BLEND & GRAPE SOURCES:
45% Chardonnay, 37% Viognier, 10% Sauvignon Blanc, 8% Muscat.

HARVEST DATES: Sept. 2 – Oct. 1, 2002.

WINEMAKING DATA:
Grapes were harvested at an average 25.4º Brix and fermented in stainless steel tanks. The blend was then divided into two lots, with 70% aging six months in two- to three-year old French oak barrels and 30% resting in stainless steel tanks. The lots were blended together and bottled in December, 2004.

This blend of four different white varietals offers apricot and pineapple-like aromas, with complex fruit flavors that end in a long, lingering finish. An excellent choice for poultry and seafood dishes.

The 2002 vintage began much drier and cooler than 2001 and by the end of April we measured an average of 6 inches less rain than during the first quarter of the previous year.

Consistent warmth throughout the summer, along with with 20 days of morning fog for both July and August, resulted in vine development running at full efficiency -- shoot and leaf growth was strong and vine canopies were entirely filled with leaves to capture the sun’s energy.

In September the weather pattern changed dramatically. High temperatures and dry north winds caused vine physiology to respond with an increase in sugar and a drop in acidity. Fortunately, the summer months had promoted remarkably strong color and flavor development, enabling healthy vineyards to withstand the September heat wave and
ripen to full maturity.

WINEMAKING QUOTES:
Robert M. Parker, Jr.’s The Wine Advocate 8-31-02

This is a superlative vintage in the North Coast. A cool (but not excessively so) growing season was followed by fabulous weather in September and October, allowing producers to harvest at their leisure. Crop size was reasonably good . . . All things considered, this is a great vintage for all varietals . . .