2022 Freeman Chardonnay Ryo-fu Russian River

The 2022 Chardonnay Ryo-fu is another attractive wine in this range. Floral and citrus notes lend notable aromatic presence. The 2022 is quite pretty, even if some edginess in the texture suggests ripening was not optimal. Vineyard sources are Charles Heintz and Dutton. 90 points

Primarily Heintz and Dutton vineyards, Freeman picks very early, often following sparkling producers. The name means cool breeze in Japanese. The mainstream California Chardonnay was at the apex when they started making wine here. So Akiko`s Burgundian approach was against the grain at the time. The style is exquisite, with floral and saline notes. The 10 months in neutral oak and full malolactic built texture and length to augment the light and bright citrus fruits with briny oyster shells. Salinity and freshness finish with nice white pepper and cardamom. 94 points