# Phelan Farm Pinot Noir (2024)

- **Producer:** Phelan Farm
- **Colour:** red
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Pinot Noir
- **Region:** California, United States
- **Style:** Natural
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €80
- **Vegan:** Yes
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now or Later
- **Serving temperature:** 14–16 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** cherry, rose, orange

## About this wine

Phelan Farm is situated along Steiner Creek near Cambria, California, just three miles from the Pacific Ocean. Settled in the 1850s, the estate features own-rooted vines planted in 2007. In 2020, renowned sommelier and author Rajat Parr transitioned to farming the property full-time, practicing regenerative agriculture without synthetic chemical inputs, pesticides, or heavy machinery to express the raw maritime terroir of the San Luis Obispo Coast.

## Interesting facts

- Only 600 total bottles were produced for the 2024 vintage due to severe spring frosts.
- Winemaker Rajat Parr was a world-celebrated sommelier and author before becoming a full-time regenerative farmer.
- The vineyard sits just 3 miles from the Pacific Ocean on rare Cretaceous and volcanic soil formations.

## Food pairing

The vibrant coastal acidity and fine, subtle tannins of this natural Pinot Noir complement fatty fish like salmon and roasted duck without overriding them. Earthy forest floor elements harmonize seamlessly with wild mushrooms, while its low alcohol preserves delicacy when paired with leaner meats.

## Wine making process

Farmed using regenerative, biodynamic, and permaculture methods with livestock managing vineyard growth. The grapes undergo 100% whole-cluster fermentation in open-top vats and stainless steel tanks with indigenous yeasts, without temperature control or chemical additives. The wine ages for 8 months in neutral oak barrels before being bottled unfined, unfiltered, and without added sulfur dioxide.