Joseph Phelps Vineyards, one of Napa Valley’s most respected and forward‑thinking estates, introduces a new chapter for its Freestone Winery with the first market release of its vineyard‑designate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Previously available exclusively through winery‑direct channels and allocation to Phelps Preferred club members, these single‑vineyard wines now debut in select restaurants and fine wine retailers across the United States, responding to steadily growing demand built over two decades.
For the first time, Freestone’s site‑driven expressions reach a broader audience, reinforcing Joseph Phelps’ long‑standing commitment to wines that articulate a clear sense of place.
Freestone: Two Vineyards, One Sonoma Coast Identity
Freestone’s wines are defined by two estate vineyards—Pastorale and Quarter Moon—located on the rugged, fog‑swept edge of the Sonoma Coast. Persistent coastal fog, sculpting winds and soils shaped by ancient marine sediments create a singular microclimate, imparting distinct characteristics to each site.
The vineyard‑designate bottlings capture these differences with precision and clarity, delivering nuanced expressions that highlight the profound influence of Sonoma Coast terroir. These are pure, site‑driven wines, focused on specificity rather than interpretation.
Minimal Intervention, Maximum Expression
Winemaker Justin Ennis approaches Freestone with meticulous attention to detail, balancing vibrancy and elegance while allowing each vineyard to speak for itself.
“Everything begins in the vineyard,” says Ennis. “Through hands‑on farming and careful attention, we bring in expressive, healthy fruit. In the cellar, I practice minimal intervention so that the site, the varietal, the clone and the vintage can speak for themselves. The wine is already in the vineyard; my job is simply not to get in its way.”
This philosophy translates into wines that emphasise purity, structure and restraint—hallmarks of cool‑climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
A Vision Rooted in Pioneering Spirit
The origins of Freestone trace back to the 1990s, when Joseph Phelps and his son Bill set out to identify a site capable of producing world‑class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Their search led them to Freestone, a small, unincorporated town near the Sonoma Coast—an area many considered too cold, rugged and remote. Joseph Phelps, however, recognised its potential.
As David Pearson, President of Joseph Phelps Vineyards, explains:
“At Joseph Phelps, we are known for creating wines that reflect a distinct sense of place, echoing the pioneering vision of our founder. Freestone stands as the cool‑climate complement to our Napa Valley portfolio—wines defined by purity, lift and precision. We are delighted to share these extraordinary wines more broadly.”
The Freestone Releases by Joseph Phelps Vineyards
- 2024 Freestone Pastorale Chardonnay ($120)
Marked by an oceanic signature, with saline nuances and bright minerality. - 2023 Freestone Pastorale Pinot Noir ($125)
Elegant and mid‑weight, with exceptional length and a refined, persistent finish. - 2023 Freestone Quarter Moon Pinot Noir ($125)
Savoury and structured, showcasing the darker, more textural side of the appellation, with ageing potential. - 2023 Freestone Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($77)
Expressive and finely balanced, highlighting the cool‑climate elegance of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir.
Available from 1 May, these limited‑production wines mark a significant step in bringing Freestone’s vineyard‑driven identity to the wider market.
About Joseph Phelps Vineyards
Founded in 1973, Joseph Phelps Vineyards is among Napa Valley’s most influential estates, shaped by a legacy of innovation and commitment to excellence. The introduction of Insignia, Napa Valley’s first proprietary Bordeaux‑style blend, set a benchmark that endures today.
The estate farms approximately 425 acres across nine vineyards in Napa Valley, alongside 100 acres on the Sonoma Coast near Freestone, dedicated to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Since 2022, Joseph Phelps has been part of LVMH’s Moët Hennessy Wine Estates, continuing to honour the founder’s vision while shaping the future of American fine wine.
