2023 Freeman: big scores for the 'banner vintage'

A fabulous mixed case offer

'The 2023 Pinot Noirs are some of the finest wines I have tasted from Akiko Freeman. A long, cool growing season played into her hand perfectly, providing ideal conditions to make wines of nuance and layers. The appellation Pinots are terrific. Quality rises from there.' — Antonio Galloni, vinous.com

Wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the Mayacamas Mountains, Sonoma County is the source of many of the most exquisite Pinot Noirs to come out of the United States. Sea fogs and ocean breezes counter the Californian sun and bring the balance that great wines require. Based outside the Sonoma town of Sebastopol, Freeman Winery is the fruit of Ken and Akiko Freeman's longstanding belief that California can produce Pinot Noir and Chardonnay every bit as complex, age-worthy and eloquent as Burgundy's best.

Ken and Akiko began by sourcing high-quality fruit from local growers, and sourced fruit still underpins their regional bottlings. But early on, they also set about planting their own vineyards. Gloria is the home vineyard, ringed by redwoods on the steep slope next to the winery. Yu-Ki is a higher site, only a few miles from the Pacific - it is cold and windy, subject to the ocean's mood swings, and Pinot Noir loves it. Akiko handles the winemaking. As well as her favourite French clones, she planted a selection of heritage clones - cuttings from particularly old, historic vines which are considered part of California's viticultural heritage. Akiko's Cuvée is her own personal selection from the best barrels in the cellar each vintage.

We've been behind Freeman for the best part of twenty years, so it's doubly gratifying when a vintage like 2023 comes along. It's being called a 'banner vintage' for the region. The unusually cool conditions meant a slow-ripening year, which was excellent for flavour development. Harvest saw high-quality, ripe grapes with moderate sugars and bright acidities. As Ken says, 'these are conditions we love to see at Freeman'.

To help you get to grips with the Freeman 2023s, we've put together a mixed case with money off and free delivery. And we'll have a selection on tasting tomorrow, from noon to 6:30 in our Copthall Avenue store. Hope to see you there. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold. Wines available immediately.To place an order, click on the wines below or call 020 7638 5998