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Ken and Akiko Freeman founded Freeman Vineyard & Winery in 2001, but the idea originated 16 years ago. While crewing a yacht in the Caribbean in 1985, Ken was forced to head back to his hometown of New York due to Hurricane Gloria. Having met through a small party, he and Akiko bond over a love for fine, cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. They explored more than 300 properties before deciding on western Sonoma County, driven by the belief that
California can produce wines as complex and compelling as those of Burgundy.
Freeman wines rebelled against the norm from the very first vintage. Other winemakers sought ripeness, but Akiko and consultant winemaker Ed Kurtzman sought balance and refinement. Today, Freeman Winery is one of California's most acclaimed small growers, with Akiko at the helm as winemaker. |
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At Sonoma Coast and adjoining Russian River Valley, where steep, rugged hills lie amidst cool ocean breezes, these harsh terrain forces grapes to persevere in order to ripen, giving the grapes complexity and character. Strict care is given to the vineyard, ensuring that water is used wisely and chemical intervention is kept to an absolute minimum. Various cover crops replenish the soil while owl boxes littered across the property encourages a natural pest control method.
Aikikos Pinot Noir
Freeman's darkest wine. Fruit forward notes come from Gloria and Keefer Ranch vineyards, with deep berries, plums, and floral notes, along with more earthy notes from Yu-ki and Pratt plots. The mouthfeel is elegant, and the fruit and acidity balance is perfect. Gloria Estate Pinot Noir Located adjacent to the winery, Gloria is Freeman's estate vineyard. The wine is named after Hurricane Gloria, an unforeseen weather event that brought the owners together. A dense purple color is accompanied by the aromas of raspberry compote and allspice. There is a richness on the palate, as well as well-balanced oak, acidity, and fruit.
Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
From the Keefer Ranch in the Russian River Valley, the wine has a dark ruby color and aromas of sassafras, pumpkin pie spice, marionberry, and black tea. At first the wine appears to be delicate, but it follows quickly with a burst of fruit, spice, earth, and plenty of acidity. Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Aeration benefits this Pinot Noir the most. At first, the aroma is earthy with a hint of cool climate reduction. Several hours in a decanter brings out the bright berry aromas of the Sonoma Coast and combines them wonderfully with the more savory elements. With a brilliant acidity and soft tannins, this wine has ripe, crunchy fruits on the palate.
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
This wine is a youthful, deep, bright black cherry color. Its nose is intriguing, with notes of rhubarb, blackberries, wild mushrooms, and wet earth. In addition to full fruit flavors, a hint of reduction also indicates longevity, while high acidity and berries complete the long finish. |
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FREEMAN
Akikos Pinot Noir 2016 - $126/bottle
Gloria Estate Pinot Noir 2013 - $91/bottle
Russian River Pinot Noir 2015 - $83/bottle
Russian River Pinot Noir 2016 - $83/bottle
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2015 - $83/bottle
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 - $83/bottle
Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2011 - $70/bottle Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2013 - $70/bottle
Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2014 - $70/bottle
Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2015 - $70/bottle
Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2016 - $70/bottle
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*promotional period 1 Dec - 15 Dec 2021, while stocks last.
*Lowest priced Freeman bottles are free.
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TASTING NOTES
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Akikos Pinot Noir 2016
"Darker than usual, with a dense, purple color that gives it a vibrant, youthful appearance. The nose is inviting and intriguing, with aromas of toast, savory herbs, sassafras, cranberries, blueberries and plums. On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, with a bright fruitiness and balanced acidity. The finish goes on for several minutes, promising a long life. While it’s tempting to drink the 2016 Akiko’s now, we expect it to be at peak maturity from 2019 through 2027." - Winemaker's Notes.
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Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir 2015
"This wine is especially lively and focused, driven by electric acidity, nervy tannins and intricate fruit and spice flavors. While full bodied, it's not a blockbuster yet gives plenty of excitement in terms of mint, red-cherry and cinnamon flavors and a bracing mouthfeel. It will no doubt age well for several years. Best after 2022."
- 95 points, Wine Enthusiast.
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Russian River Pinot Noir 2015
"Great structure and tight but plentiful flavours make this wine a great cellar candidate. Firm tannins and great acidity put a lot of backbone behind black cherry, cedar and clove notes that are layered and complex. It will be best after 2022." - 93 points, Wine Enthusiast.
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