Freeman Vineyard & Winery was founded by Ken and Akiko Freeman in 2001. But the seed for Freeman was planted more than 15 years earlier, when Akiko and Ken discovered they shared a passion for a more elegant and refined style of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Though this style embodied elements of what they loved about Burgundy, Ken and Akiko believed California was capable of producing wines every bit as complex and compelling. This belief led them to explore more than 300 vineyards and vineyard sites, both in their search for grower partners, and in their quest to establish a world-class estate program of their own. Believing in a more eloquent, cool-climate style of winemaking, their searches led them to cooler hillside sites on the edges of modern California viticulture. Often swathed in fog and cooled by coastal breezes, these were vineyards that challenged the vines, where the yields were low and the fruit ripened slowly, producing wines of purity and consequence. From the very first vintage, the Freeman style went against convention. While others pushed the limits of ripeness, Akiko and celebrated consulting winemaker Ed Kurtzman sought balance and refinement. This approach has garnered Freeman international praise and a place on some of the world's most discriminating wine lists. It has also earned Freeman recognition as one of California's most visionary and acclaimed small wineries. Today, Freeman continues to be defined by the same beliefs that inspired its inaugural vintage. Whether they are working with legendary growers like Keefer and Heintz, or with Freeman's own, sustainably farmed estate vineyards in the Russian River Valley and on the extreme Sonoma Coast, Akiko and Ken strive for a virtuous and authentic relationship with nature.
Wine Enthusiast 93 Butter, hazelnut and marzipan aromas give a lush first impression, and then vibrant lemon and green-applevacidity provides a firm, balancing effect. This bright-gold,
Vinous 93 Freemans 2014 Pinot Noir (Russian River Valley) is soft, pretty and nicely lifted throughout. Sweet red cherry, blood orange, mint, star anise and exotic
Vinous 93 The 2014 Pinot Noir Akikos Cuvee is a barrel selection from all of the vineyards Freeman sources from. Pliant and supple on the palate,
Vinous 92 Supple, open-knit and inviting, the 2014 Pinot Noir Keefer Ranch is showing very nicely today. Silky tannins add to an overall impression of succulence
International Wine Cellar 91 " Vivid ruby-red. Suave oak spices accent cherry and black raspberry on the perfumed nose. Creamy, sweet and silky, with sappy cherry
Robert Parker 90 "Crushed flowers, autumn leaves, herbs and dried cherries waft from the glass in a delicate, intensely scented Pinot that impresses for its overall
Wine Spectator 91 "Firm and spicy, with tight mineral, dried berry, anise and blueberry flavors delivered on a beam. Full-bodied, gaining structure on the finish. Drink
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