2012 Freeman Russian RiverPinot
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$45 (retail) Wine Club pricing reflected in receipt
There probably is no greater thrill for any U.S.-based winery than to have its wine featured at a White House State Dinner. Ken and Akikoi Freeman of Sebastopol’s Freeman Vineyard & Winery joined that exclusive club when their Ryo-fu Chardonnay was served April 28 when President and Mrs. Obama hosted Prime Minister and Mrs. Abe of Japan.
Tokyo-born Akiko heads up viticulture and winemaking at Freeman with back up in the winery from pinot/chardonnay wizard Ed Kurtzman (Chalone, Testarossa). Co-owner Ken Freeman earned his MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Business, which he put to excellent use at the Discovery Channel in Asia and at CNET in California. Together, Akiko, Ken and Ed have built one of Sonoma’s most respected producers of pinot and chardonnay.
Winery Tasting Notes: “The 2012 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir has a deep ruby color, and the nose is a combination of ripe black cherries, rhubarb and toasty oak. The large-framed palate is dominated by rich, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in the most traditional sense. The mouthfeel and flavors are similar to how Pinot was made in the early ’90s in the Russian River. There’s a long finish where acidity and tannin come into play, but the dark fruits last a long time as well. Although this 2012 Russian River is drinking well already, expect it to be even better by 2015 through 2023.”
Wine Advocate Review (91 points): “The 2012 Pinot Noir Russian River exhibits a lighter medium ruby color as well as more sassafras, cola, beet root and clove characteristics along with sweet cinnamon-infused black cherries. The complex aromatics are followed by a lush, sexy, medium-bodied, round, distinctive pinot noir that should drink well for four to five years. I loved the complexity and seductiveness of this offering.”
Blend: 100% pinot noir
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