Joseph Phelps: New Releases

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	Winter 2000 Newsletter General Winery News Special Report Uncorked! New Releases Awards and Reviews Personnel Corner

The 1998 Growing Season

If the 1998 Harvest in California yields some sumptuous wines - as it now appears it will - much of the credit is due to modern viticultural ingenuity. As the last grapes came off the vines for "Harvest '98," California winemakers ... can look back on 1998 as a year of floods, torrential winter rains, a damp downright chilly Spring and Summer. About all that was missing were an earthquake and a hurricane.

James Laube, 12-31-98, The Wine Spectator

The 1999 Growing Season

Cool temperatures characterized much of the 1999 growing season, with a warming trend in mid-July allowing grapes to ripen and mature. While picking was two to three weeks behind normal and crop yields were down by 20-25% (due to poor set during spring), the harvest yielded picture-perfect slusters of small berries all evenly matured. It was an exceptional year for white varetals, similar to the 1994 and 1996 vintages.

Craig Williams, Winemaker, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

1998 CABERNET SAUVIGNON

A blend of 100% Napa Valley grapes: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Merlot and
2% Petite Verdot.

Grapes were harvested at an average 23.8° Brix, and aged 20 months in a combination of new and two-year-old French oak barrels before being blended and bottled in June, 2000.

Fortunately, after dealing with the formidable growing conditions of the 1998 vintage, success, through careful selection, was achieved. The 1998 Cabernet Sauvignon is developing into a beautifully proportioned wine offering blackberry, roast coffee and chocolate aromas, and layered fruit flavors with supportive tannins that lead to a long, balanced finish.

1998 MERLOT

A blend of 92% Napa Valley Merlot and 8% Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

Grapes were harvested at an average 24.0° Brix, and aged 19 months in a combination of new and two-year-old French oak barrels before being blended and bottled in June, 2000.

Low crop yields in 1998 reduced our Merlot production to 2500 cases, and although the wine is in limited distribution it will be well worth seeking out. Aromas and flavors of spice and black cherry predominate, with an appealing balance and long, velvety finish. This ageworthy wine will bring enjoyment for many years.

1999 LOS CARNEROS CHARDONNAY

The 1999 growing season is generally considered one of the best of the decade and, in terms of stress levels, a winemakerÕs dream. Cool temperatures extended the harvest without threat of rain and allowed flavor development to proceed at a measured pace.

When the weather finally warmed in mid-July, temperatures stayed relatively consistent, with fewer heat spikes than in 1998. By harvest, grapes had achieved near-ideal sugar/acid levels.

Grapes were hand picked and whole cluster pressed to mitigate extraction of bitter phenolic compounds and reduce juice solids prior to fermentation. After 10 months of barrel age the wine was bottled in November, 2000. This Chardonnay is noteworthy for its pale color, exquisite balance, and aromas and flavors of pear, citrus and spice. It is a vintage that will last for many years to come.

The Pastiche Concept

Prior to establishing his winery in 1973, Joe Phelps developed a keen appreciation for the French region of Provence in France's Southern Rhône Valley, and noting the similarity in climate with California's Napa Valley, was intrigued by the idea of working with Rhône varietals. Today Phelps annually produces several of these varietals including Syrah,Viognier and a Chateauneuf-du-Pape style blend called Le Mistral.

In 1993 additional fruit from Le Mistral was made into "Pastiche," a medium-bodied red wine blend that is both approachable and affordable. The 1997 vintage provided a similar opportunity for a white wine comprised of Viognier, Marsanne and Chardonnay. The two wines have become so popular they have become part of the annual production.

1999 RED PASTICHE

Red Pastiche is a blend of 39% Grenache Rosé, 23% Mourvèdre, 11% Merlot, 11% Syrah and 9% Zinfandel, 5% Pinot Noir, 2% Alicante Bouschet.

Grapes were harvested at an average 24.5° Brix, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then aged 10 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels before being blended and bottled in November, 2000.

Crafted in the style of a Côtes du Rhône blend, this versatile wine combines generous red, spicy fruit aromas with a soft, lingering finish of ripe berry flavors and is a perfect choice for barbecues, stews and spicy-styled dishes.

1999 WHITE PASTICHE

White Pastiche is a blend of 29% Chardonnay, 25% Scheurebe, 15% Riesling, 15% Semillon, 9% Marsanne, 5% Viognier and 2% Muscat.

Grapes were harvested at an average 24.0° Brix, with 30% of the blend barrel fermented and aged 8 months in French oak, and 70% fermented in stainless steel tanks and held 8 months in German oak ovals. The two lots were then blended and bottled in September, 2000.

Similar to an Alsatian white wine, this blend of seven different varieties offers layers of floral, pear and citrus aromas. A mouth-coating texture serves up similar flavors through the lingering finish. An excellent choice for poultry and seafood dishes.

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