Medium yellow color; citrus, orchard fruits, lemon, grapefruit, green apple, peach, honeydew melon, orange blossom, oak, vanilla on the nose and palate.
Dry; no significant tannins; good acidity. Medium body. Goes for the “fine” take on sauv blanc; few herbaceous notes, no razor-on-the-tongue acidity. Balanced. Elegance and easy drinkability featured. Wine made with 100% sauvignon grapes from the estate’s Home Ranch Vineyard in St. Helena. Juice barrel fermented using native yeast. Aged seven months in French oak, 35% new, 65% older French oak puncheons. At around 132 gallons, a puncheon is roughly twice as large as the most-common barrique (60 gallons).
Before he was a vintner, Joseph Phelps built a very successful career as a construction engineer, guiding his family’s relatively small Colorado business to become one of the largest and most successful construction companies in the U.S. in just over a decade. He continued to lead the Hensel Phelps Construction Company after he got into wine, then in 1986 sold his firm to its employees and focused full-time on wine.
The website notes: “After he sold Hensel Phelps Construction Company to focus solely on Joseph Phelps Vineyards, he was often the first one to arrive at the winery and the last one to leave. But Joe also liked to enjoy himself, and to share his love of wine, food, and life with his family and the many friends he made in Napa Valley. He cooked and entertained often and liberally opened bottles from his private wine collection. At the helm of Joseph Phelps Vineyards for over 30 years, Joe worked with other Napa Valley vintners on a host of issues and initiatives, generously offering his time and wise counsel. Joe quietly gave back, sharing his success with organizations and people who still feel the influence of his many gifts to this day.” Joseph Phelps died in 2015, age 87.
In 2022, the vintage of this wine, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE, acquired Joseph Phelps through its Moët Hennessy division. The acquisition by what generally is regarded as the world leader in high-quality products and luxury brands. The acquisition reinforces Joseph Phelps Vineyards as a major player in Napa premium wine. Today, David Pearson is Maison (a maison is the term for a division of LVMH) president and oversees all aspects of the winery’s operations. As a Maison, Joseph Phelps retains its individual identity and direction while benefitting from LVMH’s global infrastructure. Pearson brings more than two decades of leadership and expertise in luxury wine to Joseph Phelps.
Ryan Knoth is the senior director of winemaking in Napa for Joseph Phelps. Knoth earned a degree in enology/viticulture from Fresno State University and a degree in biology from Cal Poly University. Justin Ennis is the senior director of winemaking in Sonoma for Joseph Phelps; although there is no stated connection to this Napa effort, it seems reasonable the two senior directors consult each other.
Joseph Phelps Sauvignon Blanc, St. Helena, Napa Valley 2022 deliciously delivers the softer, fruitier side of sauv blanc. Citrus and stone fruits star, not acidity and mown grass notes. Elegant wine from a very respected maker. Pairing—oysters are classic; grilled white fish, halibut, bass, cod, barramundi; crab, lobster, scallops, prawns. Pasta with fresh vegetables, cucumber dill salad, roasted root vegetables with lemon zest, asparagus risotto, Greek pasta salad with artichoke hearts and lemon dressing. Cheese—goat cheese is classic; feta, burrata; gruyère, mild cheddar, mozzarella. $51-55
