2003 Freeman Akiko's Cuvée Pinot Noir

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Vineyards:	Meredith Estate 86%, Thomas Road 7% and Galante 7%
Tons per acre:	1.9
Average Vine Age: &nbsp	10 years
Harvest Dates:	September 18, 2003 Thomas Road and Galante September 20, 2003 Meredith
Barrel Aging:	11 months in 100% French oak, 50% new, Cadus, François Frères, Rousseau and Remond cooperages
Bottled:	August 16, 2004
Alcohol:	14.2%
Production:	150 cases

For the second year in a row, Akiko's Cuvée is made from Akiko Freeman's seven favorite barrels in the winery. Ken, Akiko and winemaker Ed Kurtzman again unanimously preferred the cuvée (blend) of Akiko's barrels over all other blends that we put together. Since the wine comes mostly from the Meredith Estate Swan clone, it's not surprising the 2003 Akiko's Cuvée is filled with Burgundian Pinot spice in the nose and on the palate. It is a large-framed Pinot, like its sibling, the 2003 Sonoma Coast, yet at the same time it is a much more elegant wine. There is a softness to the Akiko's which should make it enjoyable soon after its release in 2005. The depth of its ripe fruit will help the 2003 Akiko's Cuvée age and evolve over the next 7-10 years.