2016 Pastorale Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The 2016 Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard has a seductively peachy nose with notions of white peaches, beeswax, ginger and honeysuckle with hints of crushed rocks and green guava. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers bags of stone fruit and tropical flavors with a creamy texture and lively line lifting the very long, spicy finish. 1,045 cases produced.
Critic scores
Average Score
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2016 Chardonnay Pastorale Vineyard is quite dense and yet retains striking translucence. Here the flavor profile is brighter and more citrus driven than in the Freestone Chardonnay. Some of that is site, but the decision to age the Pastorale exclusively in 500-liter barrels undoubtedly contributes to the feeling of freshness and tension. White flowers, slate, white pepper and a range of mineral-driven undertones round things out in style.
About the producer
California winery Joseph Phelps is best known for its flagship Insignia cuvée, one of the first and finest proprietary red wines in the Napa Valley.