2018 Proem No. 1 Pinot Noir

Winemaker Notes A wine of serious distinction and refinement with tantalizing aromas of ripe dark fruit, savory dried herbs and hints of forest floor. An expansive, layered palate of blackberry and black cherry with an effortless tannin structure to create a complex, balanced wine with equal parts grace and power. A pure illustration of the Quarter Moon Vineyard’s complexity and refinement on display to the seamless finish.

Winemaking Data Block 225 from our Quarter Moon Vineyard, planted to 75% clone 90 and 25% clone 96 (both are same source material as Calera), 36% whole cluster inclusion. Aged for 15 months in 53% New French oak and 47% used French oak barrels. The inaugural vintages of Joseph Phelps Proem wines have been aged in bottle for over a year prior to their release. A one hour decanting is suggested before enjoyment, or add to your cellar for 10-15 years.

Vintage Notes The 2018 Sonoma Coast growing season was marked by cool, mild weather. The cooler than normal spring delayed budbreak, bloom and veraison by two weeks compared to the previous five years. The mild weather patterns in August and September allowed for excellent overall phenological ripening and development of a complex aroma and flavor profile in the finished wines.

Reviews 99 Points - James Suckling
This is a fantastic pinot and so intense, with orange-peel, strawberry and floral character. It’s medium-bodied with a round texture and lively acidity. Electric on the palate. Zingy. Crazy stuff. Single plot, single clone. From Clone 996 (Calera). 36% whole-cluster fermentation. 400 cases made. Sold through the tasting room. Give this time to come together completely, but so great. Try after 2024. -JS (Dec. 2021)

95 Points - Robert Parker Wine Advocate
The 2018 Proem #1 offers exceptional purity and complexity. Its aromas undulate from pomegranate and cranberry to tones of tea leaves, saline, wood smoke and rusty iron. Medium-bodied, it has refreshing bursts of acidity and velvety tannins to balance its concentrated fruit and boasts a flourish of spicy accents on the long finish. -EB, July 2022

Tasting Notes Download Tasting Notes (pdf)