January 1, 2009
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Freeman
| Owner(s) | Akiko Freeman, Ken Freeman |
| Web site | www.freemanwinery.com |
| Link to this site |
Ken and Akiko Freeman started their winery quietly in 2001 and since then have developed a style of Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that appeals to those who savor elegant cool-climate wines with lovely ripe fruit flavors. Their talented winemaker, Ed Kurtzman, is assisted by Akiko, and together they craft wines that are quite approachable upon release, yet show enough depth and structure to allow for extended development over the long term. There is a Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley appellation Pinot Noir, a vineyard-designate from Keefer Ranch, and the best barrels from each vintage are chosen by Akiko and bottled as “Akiko’s Cuvee.” Production is about 4,000 cases annually which includes a Chardonnay (Ryo-Fu “Cool Breeze”). Most of the wine is sold through a mailing list.
Ken and Akiko seem to be everywhere, hosting tastings at their winery, as well as participating in many Pinot Noir festivals and special dinners. This is in spite of Ken’s day job as an investment banker. They travel extensively and entertain Ken’s banking clients at home and abroad. The pair have lived in Indonesia, Hong Kong, and Singapore, and Akiko hails from Japan. The result is that over 300 cases of Pinot Noir are sent to Japan each year.
The Freemans own a winery built into a hillside complete with extensive caves located in western Sebastopol. They have spent considerable time and energy in beautifying the caves and it is a comforting place to visit and taste. In 2007, they began planting their own four-acre estate vineyard on the hillside behind their winery. Under the guidance of noted viticulturalist, Greg Adams, they chose to plant Swan and Calera selections in the Goldridge soils of this vineyard.
Articles About Freeman
Reviewed Wines
2006 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $41.
·
A complex array of scents including
bright cherries, herbs, barnyard and oak char. The dark cherry, raspberry and cola flavors are saucy and
lush, but the thick oak toast spoils the party for me. A perfectly well-crafted wine that will appeal to those
who like oak with their Pinot.
Reviewed May 26, 2008
ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
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2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Pinot Noir
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2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
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2005 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
14.2% alc., $41. · A complex array of scents including bright cherries, herbs, barnyard and oak char. The dark cherry, raspberry and cola flavors are saucy and lush, but the thick oak toast spoils the party for me. A perfectly well-crafted wine that will appeal to those who like oak with their Pinot. Reviewed May 26, 2008 ARTICLE »
2006 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Vineyards & Winery Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2006 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvee Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Akiko’s Cuvée Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Keefer Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
2005 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Subscribe now for full access to all tasting and production notes.
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