Friedeman Wines

Articles About Friedeman Wines

Reviewed Wines

2016 Friedeman Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

14.1% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.66, 170 cases, $35. Released March 31, 2018. Sourced from Lancel Creek and Catie’s Corner vineyards. Clones are Montrachet, Rued and Robert Young. Average harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed to 33% new French oak barrels for native fermentation and aging. Lees stirred bi-weekly. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of yellow stone fruits, pastry cream and baking spices lead to a modestly flavored wine featuring yellow apple and subtle citrus highlights. The oak treatment is quite agreeable and the finish is cordial. Score: 88. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

14.4% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 165 cases, $45. Released May 31, 2018. Sourced from Campbell Ranch, Lancel Creek and Terra de Promissio vineyards. 60% 115, 20% 777, 20% Calera. 4 to 5-day cold soak, 5 to 7-day native fermentation, aged on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Complex aromatic display featuring scents of black cherry, earthy flora, bark and cardamon spice. The juicy mid weight cherry cola core makes an impression as does the glossy texture. A wine for upfront enjoyment that has a bit more tug of oak at present than I prefer. Score: 92. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman UV Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Chardonnay

14.4% alc., pH 3.52, TA 0.66, 107 cases, $50. Release April 30, 2018. Montrachet and Rued clones. Average harvest Brix 23.2º. Whole cluster pressed to 67% new French oak barrels for native yeast fermentation and aging. Lees stirred weekly. Full malolactic fermentation. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light golden yellow color in the glass. A classy offering with aromas of lemon, graphite, cold steel and toast. Richly fruited with flavors of citrus and pear fruits and a subtle petrol note. The fruit is energized with good acidity and the wine’s comforting texture makes for a pleasurable experience. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman Terra de Promissio Vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir

13.1% alc., pH 3.42, TA 0.69, 47 cases, $60. 90% 115, 10% 777. 5-day cold soak, 7-day native fermentation, aged 15 months on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Subdued aromas of cherry and savory herbs are echoed on the light to mid weight styled palate. Rounded, polished and rather elegant, but this wine lacks flavor impact and seems a touch underripe. The wine picks up a little fruit intensity over time in the glass and discreet tannins make for easy drinking. Score: 90. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »

2016 Friedeman UV Lancel Creek Vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

14.6% alc., pH 3.66, TA 0.61, 102 cases, $60. 50% Pommard, 30% Calera and 20% 777. Average harvest Brix 24.7º. 4-day cold soak, 6-day native fermentation, aged on the gross lees in French oak barrels, 50% new for 11 months. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. · Moderate garnet color in the glass. Pleasing aromas of black cherry, black raspberry and underbrush. More sap and richness than the Sonoma Coast bottling and better oak integration. The silken mouthfeel is cordial as are the gentle tannins. The mid weight flavors of dark cherry, black raspberry and blackberry are infused with a compliment of toasty oak. The wine finishes with a seductive grip of cherry. Score: 93. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »