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2004 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir
Freeman's first vineyard-designated Pinot Noir comes from Marcy Keefer's ranch located in the Russian River Valley, on Green Valley School Road. The Russian River Valley is a broad appellation in Sonoma County with quite a few areas of different microclimates. It is warm enough in the northern part for grapes like Zinfandel and Cabernet, but in the southern and western parts, the Russian River Valley is much cooler, and is perfectly suited for Pinot Noir. Keefer Ranch sits in the center the Green Valley, which has always been considered one of California's most ideal spots for Pinot Noir. 2004 was the fourth vintage in a row of "heat wave harvests," and was actually the most extreme in terms of high temperatures. In the warmest areas of the Russian River, the harvest began on August 15, a full month earlier than a "normal" year. Luckily, Keefer Ranch's cooler location allowed the Pinot to hang right through most of September in perfect weather conditions until we harvested on September 20. The incredible balance of ripeness, acidity and structure were apparent in the grapes as we brought them into the winery. The 2004 Freeman Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir exhibits aromas of plums, black cherries and toast. A fragrance of rose petals comes out of the nose if the wine is decanted for 30 minutes. There is firm acidity on the palate which seems to weave this very complex wine together. Although it can be enjoyed upon release, expect the 2004 Keefer Ranch to be at its peak between 2007 and 2008. |
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