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| Image: josephphelps.com |
Joseph Phelps, who passed away recently at age 87, did not grow up in the wine trade.
La famille Phelps made its fortune in Colorado's construction business.
According to The Wine Spectator's obit of Phelps, the nascent wine wizard opened an office for his clan's construction biz in San Francisco. His attention quickly moved beyond the Golden Gate to
Napa Valley and
Sonoma County. Phelps quickly became a force, best known for producing fine Cabernet Sauvignons such as
Insignia. His longest lasting contribution was bringing Rhone varieties to northern California's vineyards.
These days, it's easy to forget that West Coast vineyards were once better known for jug brands than boutique production. Phelps helped change that outlook for the better, and stimulated the popular belief that wines from Napa and Sonoma could hold their own against Old World stars. Phelps deserves a toast from anyone who likes wine for his belief in quality and a determination to see it realized.
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