2004 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Click here to Download/Print
Vineyards:	Meredith Estate 33%, Thomas Road 33%, Bailey 28%, Rayhill 6%
Fermentation:	5 day cold soak in open top fermenters, hand punched down 1 to 3 times per day, free run sent directly to barrel, press wine settled and barreled separately
Barrel Aging:	11 months in 100% French oak, 60% new, 40% 1 and 2 year old barrels
Bottled:	July 26, 2005
Alcohol:	14.2%
Production:	814 cases 750ml

The 2004 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is Freeman's first vintage using this appellation. We came up with this blend to show off the ripeness and richness of the Russian River Valley, which surrounds the Freeman Winery west of Sebastopol. Though the appellation is a large one, the vineyards from which Freeman sources its grapes are all found within 5 miles of the winery.

The Meredith Estate is Merry Edwards' own vineyard and has been a part of Freeman Pinot Noirs since our first vintage in 2002. The vineyard is just south of the Bodega Highway on Burnside Road in one of the cooler parts of the Russian River Valley. We selected Clones 777 and Swan in 2004 from the Meredith Estate. Each clone gives its own unique attributes to the wine.

The Thomas Road Vineyard, owned and farmed by the Steve and Joe Dutton, has also been found in our first 2 vintages of Pinot Noir. Located in a relatively warm section of the Russian River Valley, the Thomas Road Vineyard contributes good structure and some of the darker fruit characteristics to our Pinots.

Two new vineyards for Freeman in 2004 are the Bailey and the Rayhill Vineyards, both named after the owners of each property. Bailey is the closest source for Freeman Pinot Noir to the winery, just 1/2 of a mile southwest. It is a vineyard planted to 4 Dijon clones, farmed in a tight-spaced layout to give more concentration to each cluster. The Rayhill Vineyard is in a similar area to the Meredith Estate, but closer the ocean and it cool breezes. It is also planted to 4 clones of Pinot Noir. Based on the high quality we received from these young vineyards in 2004, we have high hopes for future years.

A rhubarb and cola nose comes out of the 2004 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, and opens up into black cherries and raspberries. The wine is fairly closed when it is first opened, and seems to do well with decanting for 30 to 60 minutes. The mouthfeel is soft with just enough acidity for balance. There is a wonderfully long finish with a good taste of French oak.