2021 Phelan Farm 'Autrement' (750ml)

95 Wine Advocate

SommSelect: "Inspired by the cuvée of the same name by now-retired Savoie legend Jacques Maillet, the 2021 is a nearly equal split between Pinot Noir, Gamay, and Mondeuse. It represents truly next-level natural winemaking: exuberant and pure thanks to its zero-sulfur regiment, yet without a single flaw. It pours a limpid ruby and explodes from the glass with Morello cherry, rose petals, blueberry, red plum flesh, crushed black raspberries, orange zest, white pepper, wet rock, fennel seed, and a sanguine minerality. The palate is deep and fruit-loaded, but with incredible freshness and moderate tannin, leaning into darker fruits before wicking away with a zap of Mondeuse smokiness. It’s hard to express just how wonderfully refreshing and invigorating this feels to drink. This is the first vintage of this wine, and after one sip, we think you’ll agree the future of California winemaking looks very bright indeed."