Free Freeman Friday tasting and mixed case offer

21 Sep 2018

Freeman: latest releases

On tasting from noon today, and a mixed case with even more of the range

'This is the most consistent set of wines I have tasted so far from Ken and Akiko Freeman. Every wine in the range is well worth taking a look at. The wines are done in a forward, succulent style that balances the natural generosity of the Russian River with a real sense of finesse and restraint. With each passing vintage, Akiko Freeman shows more confidence, and that is evident in these wines.' - Antonio Galloni, Sonoma's Sensational 2015s, vinous.com, March 2017

From buyers to winemakers to growers, from obscurity to success, the Freemans' journey has been remarkable. Ken and Akiko Freeman always believed California to be capable of producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay every bit as complex as Burgundy. In 2001, after visiting over 300 vineyards across California, they set out to prove it, and opened Freeman Winery. They sourced fruit from some of the very best growers, from cool hillside sites in the Russian River Valley and remoter, rugged spots on Sonoma Coast where winds and fogs help the Pinot Noir feel at home.

But the Freeman project wasn't just about sourcing. They were also planting their own vineyards, whose vines have come of age and are now producing very fine fruit. Gloria is the home vineyard, planted on the steep slope next to the winery on their redwood-ringed estate. Yu-Ki is a higher site, only a few miles from the Pacific, cold and windy, where Pinot Noir thrives under the rigorous conditions. Akiko thought long and hard about the clones she wanted to plant. She chose a selection of heritage clones, cuttings from particularly old, historic vines that are considered part of the state of California's viticultural heritage. Clonal blocks are picked and fermented separately, and each clone is paired with a specific French barrel producer. Precision winemaking indeed.

We've stocked Freeman ever since the 2006 vintage, and have watched the wines get better and better. We liked the 2014s so much we've taken the opportunity to re-order some. Meanwhile, befitting their vintage, the 2015s promise to be rich and sumptuous, and we'll also be showing the bright, chiselled 2016 Ryo-Fu Chardonnay. And we've even put together a mixed case offer to help you appreciate the diversity of quality that Freeman offers. /NT

Offered subject to remaining unsold