Dec 30, 2022
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Freeman Vineyard & Winery
| Owner(s) | Akiko Freeman, Ken Freeman |
| Web site | www.freemanwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Ken and Akiko Freeman started their winery quietly in 2001 and since then have developed a style of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that appeals to those who savor elegant cool-climate wines with lovely ripe fruit flavors. Their talented winemaker in the early years, Ed Kurtzman, has passed the winemaking duties to Akiko and assumed a consulting posture. They craft wines that are quite approachable upon release, yet show enough depth and structure to allow for extended development over the long term. There is a Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley appellation Pinot Noir, a vineyard-designate from Keefer Ranch, and the best barrels from each vintage are chosen by Akiko and bottled as “Akiko’s Cuvee.” Production is about 4,000 cases annually which includes a Chardonnay (Ryo-Fu “Cool Breeze”). Most of the wine is sold through a mailing list.
Ken and Akiko seem to be everywhere, hosting tastings at their winery, as well as participating in many Pinot Noir festivals and special dinners. This is in spite of Ken’s day job as an investment banker. They travel extensively and entertain Ken’s banking clients at home and abroad. The pair have lived in Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and Akiko hails from Japan. The result is that over 300 cases of Pinot Noir are sent to Japan each year.
The Freemans own a winery built into a hillside complete with extensive caves located in western Sebastopol. They have spent considerable time and energy in beautifying the caves and it is a comforting place to visit and taste. In 2007, they began planting their own four-acre estate vineyard on the hillside behind their winery. Under the guidance of noted viticulturalist, Greg Adams, they chose to plant Swan and Calera selections in the Goldridge soils of this vineyard. In addition, the Yu-ki Estate Vineyard has been planted over the course of seven years since 2010 on the Sonoma Coast and yielded its first crop in 2014.
Articles About Freeman Vineyard & Winery
Beautiful Expressions of the Freeman Style (6.59 5/26/2008)
Blast from 2011 World of Pinot Noir (8.33 3/12/2011)
Celebrated Vineyards Focus Tasting (7.24 8/28/2009)
Freeman Winery: Tasting the 08’s (8.13 4/8/2010)
Marcy Keefer & Craig Strehlow: Keefer Ranch (6.62 7/19/2008)
Memoirs of a Wine Trip Well-Taken (6.5 11/26/2006)
On the Pinot Trail: WOPN 2010 (8.13 4/8/2010)
Part III: Fort Ross-Seaview AVA Today (9.28 8/14/2013)
Part IV: Tasting Pinot Noir from the Fort Ross-Seaview AVA (9.28 8/14/2013)
Pinot Briefs (9.16 12/10/2012)
Pinots from the Edge (6.57 4/7/2008)
Producer Spotlight Tasting: Ed Kurtzman (7.24 8/28/2009)
Recent Sips of California Pinot Noir (11.1 3/29/2017)
Recent Stops on the Pinot Trail (9.26 6/23/2013)
Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir & Chardonnay (11.24 6/9/2018)
Sips of Recently Tasted California Pinot Noir (9.41 5/15/2014)
Sips of Wines Tasted Recently (9.30 9/28/2013)
Ten Year Vertical of Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir (9.29 9/5/2013)
West Sonoma Coast Vintners (8.32 3/1/2011)
¡Salud! 2013 Russian River Valley Immersion Trip Recap (9.36 1/20/2014)
Reviewed Wines
2015 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Ryo-Fu Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.3% alc,
615 cases, $40. A multiple vineyard blend (Keefer Ranch, Heintz Ranch, Black Emerald, Searby and Dutton
Mill Station vineyards). Aged 15 months on lees in French oak barrels, 12% new and 88% used. Apparently full
malolactic fermentation.
·
Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of buttered toast, lemon curd,
honey, pineapple and slight matchstick initially. Rich and ripe fruited in a highly flavorful style that retains good
vibrancy. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow peach, burnt caramel and vanilla build over time in the glass.
Slightly creamy in mouthfeel with some finishing length. The label says, “Burgundian-style,” but this wine is
clearly California in style.
Score: 91.
Reviewed June 9, 2018
ARTICLE »
2015 Freeman Gloria Estate Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 333 cases, $62. Five clones (Swan,
Calera, Martini, Pommard and Dijon 115) planted in Goldridge soil and
sustainably farmed. Vineyard named after Hurricane Gloria that first
brought Ken and Akiko Freeman together in 1985. Very low yields in
2015 due to cool weather during flowering in May. Uneven set and tiny
clusters only yielded six tons of fruit from 8 acres. 5-day cold soak in
open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run sent directly to barrel,
press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels,
12% new.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A nose with
purpose, that opens nicely with swirling, revealing aromas of dark
raspberry, spice and sous-bois. Very charming and silky in the mouth
with vivid flavors of black cherry and purple berry fruits underlain with a
thread of savory herbs. Expansive and layered in the mouth, with nice harmony and a gentle demeanor. Much
better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 93.
Reviewed March 29, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 1,008 cases, $44. The largest part of this wine
comes from the winery’s Gloria Estate Vineyard and includes all five clones planted there (Calera, Pommard,
Martini, Swan and 115). There were also contributions from Thorn Ridge Vineyard (Swan clone) and Sexton
Vineyard (clone 2A). Only a few barrels of Keefer Ranch contributed due to low yields in that vineyard. 5-day
cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice sent directly to barrel, press wine barreled
separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new.
·
Light cherry red color in the glass. Complex nose
that builds over time in the glass offering aromas of cherry cola, blueberry, sous-bois, baking spices, grape
must and timber. Cherry driven with accents of oak and spice and nicely composed with balanced tannins and
modest finishing power. Rather elegant and aims to please in a typical Russian River Valley style.
Score: 89.
Reviewed March 29, 2017
ARTICLE »
2014 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 1,002 cases, $45. The largest contribution to this wine
came from Rayhill Vineyard (115 and 777), with small amounts of grapes from Campbell Ranch (777), and the
very young Yu-ki Estate Vineyard located just five miles from the Pacific Ocean at 1,000 feet elevation (114,
667, “828,” 2A and Mariafeld). 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice
directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 22% new.
·
Light cherry
red color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, Damsel plum and amphora lead to mid weight flavors
of earthy cherry that make an impression. A bit of nutty oak shadows the fruit, the tannins are chalky and
supportive, and the finish ends with appealing savory and juicy fruit notes.
Score: 90.
Reviewed March 29, 2017
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Barrel sample. “First fully ripe vintage since 2003,”
according to Ed.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring well-ripened black
cherries, black raspberries and plum reduction sauce. Probably the purest fruited nose of all the wines tasted
here. The fruit flavors echo the nose, and show impressive richness, maturity and grip on the mid palate.
There is plenty of spice to add interest. The finish just sails along. Needs time to fully show what it has but this
should turn out to be an extraordinary wine. A Lolita that will easily last 15 years.
Score: NR.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1,345 cases, $44. 43% Gloria Estate, 21% Thorn Ridge,
20% Keefer Ranch, 15% Gunsalus. 5-day cold soak, free run sent to barrel, press wine settled and barreled
separately. Aged 11 months in 29% new and 71% 1-to-4-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light garnet
color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, baking spice and vanilla becoming more effusive over time in the
glass. Modest concentration of cherry fruit with an echo of oak. Very charming with suave tannins and
appealing harmony. A more elegant presentation of Russian River Valley fruit.
Score: 89.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
1,221 cases, $45. Sourced from 8 different vineyards with close to
a third from Rayhill Vineyard on Falstaff Road in the Sebastopol Hills region of the Sonoma Coast. Aged 11
months in 36% new and 64% 1 to 4-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Shy, slowly evolving aromas of black cherry,
cardamom spice and toasty oak. Respectable fullness on the palate with flavors of black raspberry, black
cherry and spice. The wine has a spark of vibrancy, admirable balance and a pleasingly plush texture.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
420 cases, $52. 44% 777, 38% 23, 16% 2A,
2% 115. Aged 11 months in 57% new and 43% 1-to-5-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately light reddish
purple color in the glass. Aromas unravel slowly in the glass revealing spiced cherry, cranberry, forest floor and
sweet oak. Admirable finesse and delicacy with lighter weight flavors of dark cherry and raspberry with a hint
of spice and an echo of oak. A little more flavor and extract than the Russian River Valley bottling.
Score: 90.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Gloria Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
188 cases, $54. 47% Calera, 47% 115, 6%
Swan. Aged 11 months in 36% new and 64% 1-to-3-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish purple
color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of black cherry glaze, black grapes, Chambord and seasoned oak. Mid
weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and a hint of cassis. The most concentrated of the 2012
Freeman Pinot Noirs, showing the exuberance of young vine fruit. The tannins are firm but suede in texture,
there is bright underlying acidity and the finish is flush with fruit. Not showing a lot of nuance at this stage, but
should improve over time in the bottle.
Score: 92.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
405 cases,
$62. A barrel selection chosen by Akiko Freeman, Ed Kurtzman and
assistant winemaker Mitchell Masotti. A blend of 6 vineyards with the
most contributed by Campbell Ranch near Annapolis (clone 777) and
the El Coro Vineyard at Keller Estate (Swan and La Tache selection).
Aged 11 months in 33% new and 67% 1 to 4-year-old French oak
barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose
was initially closed for business, opening slowly in the glass with swirling over
time to reveal wonderful aromas of blackberry jam, black raspberry coulis, rose
petal and spice. Delicious essence of fresh dark berries with hints of cola and
Hoison sauce. Modest in weight, but highly flavorful, with suave tannins, a satiny smooth texture and an
expansive finish. The balance is spot on and the overall impression is magical. You can drink it now for its
elegance, but it will be even better after a few years in the cellar. Best Akiko’s Cuvée ever.
Score: 95.
Reviewed May 15, 2014
ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
350 cases. 23% Sexton, 18% Campbell, 18% La
Cruz, 11% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Jones, 6% Keefer, 6% Harmony Lane, and 6% O’Connor.
·
Modest
reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of darker fruits with hints of oak spice and rose
petals. Dances on the lean side, but still quite flavorful, featuring both red and black berry notes finishing with
focus and purpose. Will need more time to integrate the vanilla-infused oak and fully express itself. The
characteristic finesse showed by the Akiko’s Cuvée wines is apparent. An impressive effort in this difficult
vintage. Drink or hold mid term.
Score: 91.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 1,320 cases, $20.
·
Moderate ruby red color
and clear in the glass. Aromatically appealing with scents of strawberry, cherry, dried rose petal and spice.
The flavors echo the nose with accents of herbs and oak. More body and substance than most rosés, this
wine drinks more like a Pinot Noir and will pair nicely with substantial foods. A charming cherry note persists
on the finish. Good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Ryo-fu Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc.,
450 cases, $40. A blend of two vineyards with the largest component
from Keefer Ranch and a lesser amount from Heintz Vineyard (vines
dating to 1982). Aged 14 months sur lies in 21% new and 79% 1, 2 and
3-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Light yellow color and clear in the glass.
Aromas of lemon, apple and slate lead to crisp, vivid flavors of citrus,
apple, white peach and oak. Plenty to like with forward fruit flavors
reigned in by lively acidity, finishing on a high note with lemon-drop memories.
Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 29, 2013
ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 1,320 cases, $44. Broad selection of the appellation
with contributions from six vineyards. Aged 11 months in 32% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddishpurple
color in the glass. Aromas of strawberries, cherries, tobacco leaf, green herbs and a hint of oak.
Middleweight flavors of black cherry, blueberry and green herbs supported by mild tannins and finishing with
some intensity. Nicely balanced and easy to drink. Good.
Reviewed June 23, 2013
ARTICLE »
2010 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
325 cases. 23% O’Connor, 18%
Campbell, 14% Connell, 14% Thorn Ridge, 9% Gunsalus, 9% Rayhill, 5% Sexton, 4% Bacigalupi, and
4% Harmony Lane. Aged 11 months in 27% new, 27% 1-year-old and 46% 2-year-old French oak
barrels.
·
Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very lovely aromas of Bing cherry pie filling, baking
spices, and a hint of oak. This exceptional wine has it all: a soft, silky texture, vivid cherry and
raspberry fruit expression, very suave tannins, uplifting acidity, beautifully married oak, and overall, an
appealing delicacy. A thing of beauty. Drink or hold long term.
Score: 95.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
312 cases. 41% Guidici, 29% Sexton, 12%
Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Bacigalupi, and 6% Spring Hill. Aged 11 months in 41% new, 35% 1-year-old and
24% 2-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The bright aromas of
black cherries, spice and seasoned oak leap from the glass. Racy, discreetly concentrated dark red fruits are
complimented by a savory herb and citrus underpinning. This enjoyable wine displays an impressive balance
of fruit, acidity and supple tannins and offers an intensely fruited yet refreshing finish. Drink or hold long term.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2009 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $56. A blend of primarily cooler sites carefully
chosen by Akiko Freeman, winemaker Ed Kurtzman and associate winemaker Eric Buffington. 41% Guidici,
29% Sexton, 12% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Bacigalupi and 6% Springhill vineyards. Aged 11 months in
41% new, 35% 1 year-old and 24% 2 year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass.
A cherry bombast on the nose with baking spices playing a supporting role. Elegant and seductive on the
palate with a lengthy, crisp and aromatic finish. Very good (+).
Reviewed March 12, 2011
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
420 cases. 38% Keefer Ranch, 24%
Rayhill, 24% Guidici, 9% Horse Ridge, and 5% Sexton. Aged 11 months in 38% new, 33% 1-year-old,
and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine
reflects more Green Valley influence from Keefer Ranch. The aromas jump out of the glass with
swirling, offering enticing notes of fresh cherries and crushed wild raspberries with a touch of spice.
Impressive mid palate presence of an array of dark red fruits that are vivid and juicy. Like chewing on
iced cherries. The oak is beautifully integrated, the tannins are well-mannered, the acidity is bright, and
the finish is delightful. A lip-smacker. Drink or hold long term.
Score: 95.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc..
·
Demure aromas of red cherries and berries.
Soft in the mouth with charming flavors of cherries and cherry cola. Oak is still prominent and may integrate
over time. Good.
Reviewed April 8, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1,473 cases, $44. Sourced from five
vineyards, with a third from Ted Klopp’s Thorn Ridge Vineyard. Aged 11 months in 47% new French oak.
·
Richer and earthier than the Sonoma Coast bottling with bright flavors of ripe Bing cherries, dark berries, oak
and cola. Still rather closed but the future is very promising for this wine. Has the bones (tannins and acidity)
to age ten years. Good.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Ryo-Fu Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 550 cases, $44.
Sourced from Heintz Vineyard, Keefer Ranch and Black Emerald Vineyard. Aged 14 months in 20% new
French oak, barrel fermented with 100% MLF.
·
Beautifully proportioned with just the right touch of oak. Crisp
and clean with appealing flavors of pear, white peach and creme brulee. Not at all tiring to drink like many
California Chardonnays. One of the top California Chardonnays I have tasted from this vintage. Very good.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
1425 cases, $44. 44% Rayhill Vineyard, 32%
Guidici Vineyard, 24% Sexton Vineyard. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak.
·
Very approachable wine
that is medium-weighted with charming black cherry fruit and soft tannins. The nose is quite delicately fruited
with notes of dried rose petals. I liked this a lot. Very good.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 445 cases,
$48. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak.
·
Bright scents of strawberry and raspberry tart with hints of
baking spice and orange tea. Tasty panoply of redder fruits with herbs and tea leaves mixed in. Silky smooth
with soft tannins, bright acidity and an appealing elegance. A sweetheart wine that is very approachable now
and quite easy to drink. Very good.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 420 cases,
$56. A barrel selection chosen by Akiko, Ken, and winemakers Ed Kurtzman and Eric Buffington. Each
person’s top barrels are blended and tasted blind. Called Akiko’s Cuvée, because her blend nearly
always wins this blind tasting. Keefer Ranch fruit makes up the largest portion. Aged 11 months in 38%
new French oak.
·
Shy, teasing aromatics with scents of wild berries, oak toast and cut flowers. Rich and
satisfying red and purple fruits on the palate with caressing tannins. Very smoothly textured and
seamless. Tasted the next day and the day after from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine
retained its appeal indicating age ability. A stunning wine that will easily go 15 years. My wife went gaga over
this wine.
Reviewed April 9, 2010
ARTICLE »
2007 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
440 cases. 28% Thorn Ridge, 19% Rayhill, 17%
Sexton, 15% Morris, 11% Guidici, 4% Horse Ridge, 2% Connell, 2% O’Connor and 2% Keefer. Aged 10
months in 52% new and 48% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple color in
the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering instead an herbal oak theme. The fruit core, although nicely ripened
and featuring dark red and black cherry fruits, is immersed in oak creating a strong dried herb finishing flavor.
The texture is smooth and the tannins are well-balanced. Drink.
Score: 87.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
505 cases. 30% Rayhill, 25% Thorn Ridge, 15%
Guidici, 7% Connell, 5% Sexton, 5% Bailey, 5% Keefer, 5% O’Connor and 3% Meredith Estate (at least one
barrel from each of Freeman’s vineyards included). Aged 10 months in 30% new and 79% seasoned French
oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh dark red cherries and
berries with hints of briar, forest floor and vanillin. This wine has an appealing savory riff, adding interest to the
middleweight core of dark red cherries and raspberries. The oak is complimentary, the tannins are quite
modest, and the finish is juicy and refreshing. Drink or hold mid term.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $41.
·
A complex array of scents including
bright cherries, herbs, barnyard and oak char. The dark cherry, raspberry and cola flavors are saucy and
lush, but the thick oak toast spoils the party for me. A perfectly well-crafted wine that will appeal to those
who like oak with their Pinot.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $41.
·
Moderate dark ruby color. Appealing aromas
of toasty cherry, herbs and even apple notes. The palate is sturdy, full and long with nice black
cherry and oak spice flavors. The mouth feel is velvety and the whole package is perfectly balanced. Not
a blockbuster by any means, just a very comforting Pinot Noir that is easy to recommend.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $46.
·
Moderately deep
ruby color. The nose is a showy cherry bombast - rich and deep with damp earth accents. Substantial
black cherry core, smooth, clean and tangy with a lengthy finish. A woodsy, earthy touch adds interest. A
stellar wine from a top Sonoma County vineyard that is worthy of its own designation.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.,
$46.
·
Moderately deep ruby color. A cherry bombast on the nose. Saucy, fat and lush black cherry core.
Appealing earthy touch. Clean, crisp and tangy finish that lasts and lasts. Naomi Campbell in hiking
boots.
Reviewed July 19, 2008
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2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $52.
·
A bit shy at this stage. Extensive swirling in the glass brings forth
nicely spiced black cherry scents. This wine is a little better than the
other wines in the lineup in every way. Creamier on the palate, especially
on entry, more elegance, and a longer finish. Perfect integration of
oak. You can drink it now, but it will reward further cellaring. Akiko
knows Pinot.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
375 cases. 44% Keefer Ranch, 20% O’Connor,
18% Thorn Ridge, and 18% Rayhill. Aged 10 months in 35% new, 41% 1-year-old and 24% 2-year-old French
oak barrels.
·
Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, offering hi-tone scents of Bing cherries
black raspberries, and Asian 5-spice. A bigger, more intensely concentrated wine in this vintage, yet has the
backbone to balance the fruit. Delicious layers of deeply colored stone fruits and berries with hints of cola and
spice. Finishes with impressive richness. Will easily hold another five years.
Score: 93.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
425 cases Akiko Freeman selects her favorite barrels for
this wine. Both Ken and Ed also pick out their favorite barrels and challenge her, but in every vintage,
from 2002 to 2005, her blend is always the trio’s favorite. Poor Ed, his blend of his favorites never gets
picked. We enjoyed this at lunch at K & L Bistro in Sebastopol (recently awarded one star by the
Michelin Guide and one of my favorite restaurants in Sonoma wine country).
·
Cherries and spice and
everything nice in the aromatics, delicate red fruit flavors with cola and tea, a soft, silky texture, and a
generous finish of aromas and flavors that persist. An excellent food wine. Drinking window is 1-5 years.
Reviewed November 26, 2006
ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc..
·
Light ruby in color. Very charming scents of red fruits including wild strawberries,
with floral notes (violets) as well. A graceful wine driven by flavors of red
Pinot fruits with herbal accents. The finish is marred by a touch of woodiness
which disappears when the wine is accompanied by food.
Reviewed April 7, 2008
ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
500 cases. This
vineyard has produced grapes for many distinctive bottlings from several producers. Currently Ed is
helping the Keefers bottle their own estate wine for 2006.
·
This is the only single-vineyard
Pinot Noir from Freeman. Bottled separately because of its unique fruit, the grapes have a distinctive
rose petal aroma, high acidity and plenty of fruit to back up the generous use of new oak.
Reviewed November 26, 2006
ARTICLE »
2004 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
280 cases. 62% Meredith Estate, 23% Bailey, 8%
Thomas Road and 7% Keefer. Aged 11 months in 38% new and 62% 1-year-old French oak barrels.
·
Moderately
dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The wine leads off with earth-kissed aromas of ripe, dark fruits with a
hint of spice. Strikingly flavorful on the mid palate with an array of dark red and black stone fruits and berries.
Very silky in the mouth with suave fine-grain tannins, bright acidity, and a substantial finish that really hits all
the high notes. Drink or hold short-term.
Score: 94.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2003 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
140 cases. 86% Meredith Estate, 7% Thomas
Road, and 7% Galante. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels.
·
Moderately dark reddish-purple
color in the glass. Less aromatic than the 2002 vintage, offering shy aromas of dark cherries and berries and
spice. Very flavorful, yet light on its feet, featuring discreetly concentrated flavors of blackberries, Bing cherries
and black currants. A stylish wine with an earthy bent, fully integrated tannins, and a touch of heat on the fruitdriven
finish. Drink or hold short-term.
Score: 89.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
ARTICLE »
2002 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
600 cases. Sourced from Thomas Road and
Meredith Estate vineyards. An ideal vintage with a small but fully ripened crop. Aged 15 months in 57% new
French oak barrels.
·
Fresh, moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine features dark fruits
that are very ripe and an underlying earthiness in the aromas and flavors. Scents of blackberry and black plum
lead to fresh flavors of dark berry jam and black cherry with a hint of oak in the background. The tannins are
very supple creating a silky texture and the finish has some noticeable length and intensity. Drink or hold shortterm.
Score: 90.
Reviewed September 5, 2013
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2015 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Ryo-Fu Green Valley of Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.3% alc, 615 cases, $40. A multiple vineyard blend (Keefer Ranch, Heintz Ranch, Black Emerald, Searby and Dutton Mill Station vineyards). Aged 15 months on lees in French oak barrels, 12% new and 88% used. Apparently full malolactic fermentation. · Moderate golden yellow color in the glass. Aromas of buttered toast, lemon curd, honey, pineapple and slight matchstick initially. Rich and ripe fruited in a highly flavorful style that retains good vibrancy. Flavors of lemon, pineapple, yellow peach, burnt caramel and vanilla build over time in the glass. Slightly creamy in mouthfeel with some finishing length. The label says, “Burgundian-style,” but this wine is clearly California in style. Score: 91. Reviewed June 9, 2018 ARTICLE »
2015 Freeman Gloria Estate Vineyard Green Valley of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 333 cases, $62. Five clones (Swan, Calera, Martini, Pommard and Dijon 115) planted in Goldridge soil and sustainably farmed. Vineyard named after Hurricane Gloria that first brought Ken and Akiko Freeman together in 1985. Very low yields in 2015 due to cool weather during flowering in May. Uneven set and tiny clusters only yielded six tons of fruit from 8 acres. 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run sent directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 12% new. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. A nose with purpose, that opens nicely with swirling, revealing aromas of dark raspberry, spice and sous-bois. Very charming and silky in the mouth with vivid flavors of black cherry and purple berry fruits underlain with a thread of savory herbs. Expansive and layered in the mouth, with nice harmony and a gentle demeanor. Much better when tasted the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 93. Reviewed March 29, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
13.8% alc., 1,008 cases, $44. The largest part of this wine comes from the winery’s Gloria Estate Vineyard and includes all five clones planted there (Calera, Pommard, Martini, Swan and 115). There were also contributions from Thorn Ridge Vineyard (Swan clone) and Sexton Vineyard (clone 2A). Only a few barrels of Keefer Ranch contributed due to low yields in that vineyard. 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice sent directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 25% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Complex nose that builds over time in the glass offering aromas of cherry cola, blueberry, sous-bois, baking spices, grape must and timber. Cherry driven with accents of oak and spice and nicely composed with balanced tannins and modest finishing power. Rather elegant and aims to please in a typical Russian River Valley style. Score: 89. Reviewed March 29, 2017 ARTICLE »
2014 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., 1,002 cases, $45. The largest contribution to this wine came from Rayhill Vineyard (115 and 777), with small amounts of grapes from Campbell Ranch (777), and the very young Yu-ki Estate Vineyard located just five miles from the Pacific Ocean at 1,000 feet elevation (114, 667, “828,” 2A and Mariafeld). 5-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punch downs, free run juice directly to barrel, press wine barreled separately. Aged 11 months in French oak barrels, 22% new. · Light cherry red color in the glass. Aromas of black cherry, blueberry, Damsel plum and amphora lead to mid weight flavors of earthy cherry that make an impression. A bit of nutty oak shadows the fruit, the tannins are chalky and supportive, and the finish ends with appealing savory and juicy fruit notes. Score: 90. Reviewed March 29, 2017 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Barrel sample. “First fully ripe vintage since 2003,” according to Ed. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. Very fruity nose featuring well-ripened black cherries, black raspberries and plum reduction sauce. Probably the purest fruited nose of all the wines tasted here. The fruit flavors echo the nose, and show impressive richness, maturity and grip on the mid palate. There is plenty of spice to add interest. The finish just sails along. Needs time to fully show what it has but this should turn out to be an extraordinary wine. A Lolita that will easily last 15 years. Score: NR. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1,345 cases, $44. 43% Gloria Estate, 21% Thorn Ridge, 20% Keefer Ranch, 15% Gunsalus. 5-day cold soak, free run sent to barrel, press wine settled and barreled separately. Aged 11 months in 29% new and 71% 1-to-4-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately light garnet color in the glass. Aromas of Bing cherry, baking spice and vanilla becoming more effusive over time in the glass. Modest concentration of cherry fruit with an echo of oak. Very charming with suave tannins and appealing harmony. A more elegant presentation of Russian River Valley fruit. Score: 89. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
1,221 cases, $45. Sourced from 8 different vineyards with close to a third from Rayhill Vineyard on Falstaff Road in the Sebastopol Hills region of the Sonoma Coast. Aged 11 months in 36% new and 64% 1 to 4-year-old French oak barrels. · Shy, slowly evolving aromas of black cherry, cardamom spice and toasty oak. Respectable fullness on the palate with flavors of black raspberry, black cherry and spice. The wine has a spark of vibrancy, admirable balance and a pleasingly plush texture. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
420 cases, $52. 44% 777, 38% 23, 16% 2A, 2% 115. Aged 11 months in 57% new and 43% 1-to-5-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately light reddish purple color in the glass. Aromas unravel slowly in the glass revealing spiced cherry, cranberry, forest floor and sweet oak. Admirable finesse and delicacy with lighter weight flavors of dark cherry and raspberry with a hint of spice and an echo of oak. A little more flavor and extract than the Russian River Valley bottling. Score: 90. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Gloria Estate Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
188 cases, $54. 47% Calera, 47% 115, 6% Swan. Aged 11 months in 36% new and 64% 1-to-3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish purple color in the glass. Uplifting aromas of black cherry glaze, black grapes, Chambord and seasoned oak. Mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry, and a hint of cassis. The most concentrated of the 2012 Freeman Pinot Noirs, showing the exuberance of young vine fruit. The tannins are firm but suede in texture, there is bright underlying acidity and the finish is flush with fruit. Not showing a lot of nuance at this stage, but should improve over time in the bottle. Score: 92. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2012 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
405 cases, $62. A barrel selection chosen by Akiko Freeman, Ed Kurtzman and assistant winemaker Mitchell Masotti. A blend of 6 vineyards with the most contributed by Campbell Ranch near Annapolis (clone 777) and the El Coro Vineyard at Keller Estate (Swan and La Tache selection). Aged 11 months in 33% new and 67% 1 to 4-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish purple color in the glass. The nose was initially closed for business, opening slowly in the glass with swirling over time to reveal wonderful aromas of blackberry jam, black raspberry coulis, rose petal and spice. Delicious essence of fresh dark berries with hints of cola and Hoison sauce. Modest in weight, but highly flavorful, with suave tannins, a satiny smooth texture and an expansive finish. The balance is spot on and the overall impression is magical. You can drink it now for its elegance, but it will be even better after a few years in the cellar. Best Akiko’s Cuvée ever. Score: 95. Reviewed May 15, 2014 ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
350 cases. 23% Sexton, 18% Campbell, 18% La Cruz, 11% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Jones, 6% Keefer, 6% Harmony Lane, and 6% O’Connor. · Modest reddish-purple color in the glass. Nicely perfumed with aromas of darker fruits with hints of oak spice and rose petals. Dances on the lean side, but still quite flavorful, featuring both red and black berry notes finishing with focus and purpose. Will need more time to integrate the vanilla-infused oak and fully express itself. The characteristic finesse showed by the Akiko’s Cuvée wines is apparent. An impressive effort in this difficult vintage. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 91. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Sonoma Coast Rosé of Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 1,320 cases, $20. · Moderate ruby red color and clear in the glass. Aromatically appealing with scents of strawberry, cherry, dried rose petal and spice. The flavors echo the nose with accents of herbs and oak. More body and substance than most rosés, this wine drinks more like a Pinot Noir and will pair nicely with substantial foods. A charming cherry note persists on the finish. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Ryo-fu Russian River Valley Chardonnay
13.5% alc., 450 cases, $40. A blend of two vineyards with the largest component from Keefer Ranch and a lesser amount from Heintz Vineyard (vines dating to 1982). Aged 14 months sur lies in 21% new and 79% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Light yellow color and clear in the glass. Aromas of lemon, apple and slate lead to crisp, vivid flavors of citrus, apple, white peach and oak. Plenty to like with forward fruit flavors reigned in by lively acidity, finishing on a high note with lemon-drop memories. Still fine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. Score: 94. Reviewed September 29, 2013 ARTICLE »
2011 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
13.9% alc., 1,320 cases, $44. Broad selection of the appellation with contributions from six vineyards. Aged 11 months in 32% new French oak barrels. · Moderate reddishpurple color in the glass. Aromas of strawberries, cherries, tobacco leaf, green herbs and a hint of oak. Middleweight flavors of black cherry, blueberry and green herbs supported by mild tannins and finishing with some intensity. Nicely balanced and easy to drink. Good. Reviewed June 23, 2013 ARTICLE »
2010 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
325 cases. 23% O’Connor, 18% Campbell, 14% Connell, 14% Thorn Ridge, 9% Gunsalus, 9% Rayhill, 5% Sexton, 4% Bacigalupi, and 4% Harmony Lane. Aged 11 months in 27% new, 27% 1-year-old and 46% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Medium reddish-purple color in the glass. Very lovely aromas of Bing cherry pie filling, baking spices, and a hint of oak. This exceptional wine has it all: a soft, silky texture, vivid cherry and raspberry fruit expression, very suave tannins, uplifting acidity, beautifully married oak, and overall, an appealing delicacy. A thing of beauty. Drink or hold long term. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
312 cases. 41% Guidici, 29% Sexton, 12% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Bacigalupi, and 6% Spring Hill. Aged 11 months in 41% new, 35% 1-year-old and 24% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The bright aromas of black cherries, spice and seasoned oak leap from the glass. Racy, discreetly concentrated dark red fruits are complimented by a savory herb and citrus underpinning. This enjoyable wine displays an impressive balance of fruit, acidity and supple tannins and offers an intensely fruited yet refreshing finish. Drink or hold long term. Score: 94. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2009 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $56. A blend of primarily cooler sites carefully chosen by Akiko Freeman, winemaker Ed Kurtzman and associate winemaker Eric Buffington. 41% Guidici, 29% Sexton, 12% Rayhill, 6% Thorn Ridge, 6% Bacigalupi and 6% Springhill vineyards. Aged 11 months in 41% new, 35% 1 year-old and 24% 2 year-old French oak barrels. · Moderate reddish-purple color in the glass. A cherry bombast on the nose with baking spices playing a supporting role. Elegant and seductive on the palate with a lengthy, crisp and aromatic finish. Very good (+). Reviewed March 12, 2011 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
420 cases. 38% Keefer Ranch, 24% Rayhill, 24% Guidici, 9% Horse Ridge, and 5% Sexton. Aged 11 months in 38% new, 33% 1-year-old, and 29% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine reflects more Green Valley influence from Keefer Ranch. The aromas jump out of the glass with swirling, offering enticing notes of fresh cherries and crushed wild raspberries with a touch of spice. Impressive mid palate presence of an array of dark red fruits that are vivid and juicy. Like chewing on iced cherries. The oak is beautifully integrated, the tannins are well-mannered, the acidity is bright, and the finish is delightful. A lip-smacker. Drink or hold long term. Score: 95. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.. · Demure aromas of red cherries and berries. Soft in the mouth with charming flavors of cherries and cherry cola. Oak is still prominent and may integrate over time. Good. Reviewed April 8, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
1,473 cases, $44. Sourced from five vineyards, with a third from Ted Klopp’s Thorn Ridge Vineyard. Aged 11 months in 47% new French oak. · Richer and earthier than the Sonoma Coast bottling with bright flavors of ripe Bing cherries, dark berries, oak and cola. Still rather closed but the future is very promising for this wine. Has the bones (tannins and acidity) to age ten years. Good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Ryo-Fu Russian River Valley Chardonnay
14.1% alc., 550 cases, $44. Sourced from Heintz Vineyard, Keefer Ranch and Black Emerald Vineyard. Aged 14 months in 20% new French oak, barrel fermented with 100% MLF. · Beautifully proportioned with just the right touch of oak. Crisp and clean with appealing flavors of pear, white peach and creme brulee. Not at all tiring to drink like many California Chardonnays. One of the top California Chardonnays I have tasted from this vintage. Very good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
1425 cases, $44. 44% Rayhill Vineyard, 32% Guidici Vineyard, 24% Sexton Vineyard. Aged 11 months in 40% new French oak. · Very approachable wine that is medium-weighted with charming black cherry fruit and soft tannins. The nose is quite delicately fruited with notes of dried rose petals. I liked this a lot. Very good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 445 cases, $48. Aged 11 months in 35% new French oak. · Bright scents of strawberry and raspberry tart with hints of baking spice and orange tea. Tasty panoply of redder fruits with herbs and tea leaves mixed in. Silky smooth with soft tannins, bright acidity and an appealing elegance. A sweetheart wine that is very approachable now and quite easy to drink. Very good. Reviewed April 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2008 Freeman Vineyard & Winery Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., 420 cases, $56. A barrel selection chosen by Akiko, Ken, and winemakers Ed Kurtzman and Eric Buffington. Each person’s top barrels are blended and tasted blind. Called Akiko’s Cuvée, because her blend nearly always wins this blind tasting. Keefer Ranch fruit makes up the largest portion. Aged 11 months in 38% new French oak. · Shy, teasing aromatics with scents of wild berries, oak toast and cut flowers. Rich and satisfying red and purple fruits on the palate with caressing tannins. Very smoothly textured and seamless. Tasted the next day and the day after from a previously opened and re-corked bottle, the wine retained its appeal indicating age ability. A stunning wine that will easily go 15 years. My wife went gaga over this wine. Reviewed April 9, 2010 ARTICLE »
2007 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
440 cases. 28% Thorn Ridge, 19% Rayhill, 17% Sexton, 15% Morris, 11% Guidici, 4% Horse Ridge, 2% Connell, 2% O’Connor and 2% Keefer. Aged 10 months in 52% new and 48% 1, 2 and 3-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The nose lacks fruit, offering instead an herbal oak theme. The fruit core, although nicely ripened and featuring dark red and black cherry fruits, is immersed in oak creating a strong dried herb finishing flavor. The texture is smooth and the tannins are well-balanced. Drink. Score: 87. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
505 cases. 30% Rayhill, 25% Thorn Ridge, 15% Guidici, 7% Connell, 5% Sexton, 5% Bailey, 5% Keefer, 5% O’Connor and 3% Meredith Estate (at least one barrel from each of Freeman’s vineyards included). Aged 10 months in 30% new and 79% seasoned French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple hue in the glass. Inviting aromas of fresh dark red cherries and berries with hints of briar, forest floor and vanillin. This wine has an appealing savory riff, adding interest to the middleweight core of dark red cherries and raspberries. The oak is complimentary, the tannins are quite modest, and the finish is juicy and refreshing. Drink or hold mid term. Score: 93. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $41. · A complex array of scents including bright cherries, herbs, barnyard and oak char. The dark cherry, raspberry and cola flavors are saucy and lush, but the thick oak toast spoils the party for me. A perfectly well-crafted wine that will appeal to those who like oak with their Pinot. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.1% alc., $41. · Moderate dark ruby color. Appealing aromas of toasty cherry, herbs and even apple notes. The palate is sturdy, full and long with nice black cherry and oak spice flavors. The mouth feel is velvety and the whole package is perfectly balanced. Not a blockbuster by any means, just a very comforting Pinot Noir that is easy to recommend. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $46. · Moderately deep ruby color. The nose is a showy cherry bombast - rich and deep with damp earth accents. Substantial black cherry core, smooth, clean and tangy with a lengthy finish. A woodsy, earthy touch adds interest. A stellar wine from a top Sonoma County vineyard that is worthy of its own designation. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $46. · Moderately deep ruby color. A cherry bombast on the nose. Saucy, fat and lush black cherry core. Appealing earthy touch. Clean, crisp and tangy finish that lasts and lasts. Naomi Campbell in hiking boots. Reviewed July 19, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $52. · A bit shy at this stage. Extensive swirling in the glass brings forth nicely spiced black cherry scents. This wine is a little better than the other wines in the lineup in every way. Creamier on the palate, especially on entry, more elegance, and a longer finish. Perfect integration of oak. You can drink it now, but it will reward further cellaring. Akiko knows Pinot. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
375 cases. 44% Keefer Ranch, 20% O’Connor, 18% Thorn Ridge, and 18% Rayhill. Aged 10 months in 35% new, 41% 1-year-old and 24% 2-year-old French oak barrels. · Dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Very aromatic, offering hi-tone scents of Bing cherries black raspberries, and Asian 5-spice. A bigger, more intensely concentrated wine in this vintage, yet has the backbone to balance the fruit. Delicious layers of deeply colored stone fruits and berries with hints of cola and spice. Finishes with impressive richness. Will easily hold another five years. Score: 93. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
425 cases Akiko Freeman selects her favorite barrels for this wine. Both Ken and Ed also pick out their favorite barrels and challenge her, but in every vintage, from 2002 to 2005, her blend is always the trio’s favorite. Poor Ed, his blend of his favorites never gets picked. We enjoyed this at lunch at K & L Bistro in Sebastopol (recently awarded one star by the Michelin Guide and one of my favorite restaurants in Sonoma wine country). · Cherries and spice and everything nice in the aromatics, delicate red fruit flavors with cola and tea, a soft, silky texture, and a generous finish of aromas and flavors that persist. An excellent food wine. Drinking window is 1-5 years. Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
14.2% alc.. · Light ruby in color. Very charming scents of red fruits including wild strawberries, with floral notes (violets) as well. A graceful wine driven by flavors of red Pinot fruits with herbal accents. The finish is marred by a touch of woodiness which disappears when the wine is accompanied by food. Reviewed April 7, 2008 ARTICLE »
2005 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
500 cases. This vineyard has produced grapes for many distinctive bottlings from several producers. Currently Ed is helping the Keefers bottle their own estate wine for 2006. · This is the only single-vineyard Pinot Noir from Freeman. Bottled separately because of its unique fruit, the grapes have a distinctive rose petal aroma, high acidity and plenty of fruit to back up the generous use of new oak. Reviewed November 26, 2006 ARTICLE »
2004 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
280 cases. 62% Meredith Estate, 23% Bailey, 8% Thomas Road and 7% Keefer. Aged 11 months in 38% new and 62% 1-year-old French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. The wine leads off with earth-kissed aromas of ripe, dark fruits with a hint of spice. Strikingly flavorful on the mid palate with an array of dark red and black stone fruits and berries. Very silky in the mouth with suave fine-grain tannins, bright acidity, and a substantial finish that really hits all the high notes. Drink or hold short-term. Score: 94. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2003 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
140 cases. 86% Meredith Estate, 7% Thomas Road, and 7% Galante. Aged 11 months in 50% new French oak barrels. · Moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. Less aromatic than the 2002 vintage, offering shy aromas of dark cherries and berries and spice. Very flavorful, yet light on its feet, featuring discreetly concentrated flavors of blackberries, Bing cherries and black currants. A stylish wine with an earthy bent, fully integrated tannins, and a touch of heat on the fruitdriven finish. Drink or hold short-term. Score: 89. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »
2002 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
600 cases. Sourced from Thomas Road and Meredith Estate vineyards. An ideal vintage with a small but fully ripened crop. Aged 15 months in 57% new French oak barrels. · Fresh, moderately dark reddish-purple color in the glass. This wine features dark fruits that are very ripe and an underlying earthiness in the aromas and flavors. Scents of blackberry and black plum lead to fresh flavors of dark berry jam and black cherry with a hint of oak in the background. The tannins are very supple creating a silky texture and the finish has some noticeable length and intensity. Drink or hold shortterm. Score: 90. Reviewed September 5, 2013 ARTICLE »