Highlights
Toast to International Ties: Freeman Wines Featured at State Department
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, we had the honor of presenting our wines during a luncheon at the State Department, hosted by Vice President Kamala Harris to celebrate the visit of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan. Esteemed attendees included Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken.
Featured wines were the 2022 Ryo-Fu West Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and the 2021 Akiko's Cuvee West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, both of which paired exquisitely with the seasonal menu, enhancing the culinary experience.
This prestigious event was not only a profound honor but also a testament to the deep cultural ties between the United States and Japan. We are grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a significant occasion and look forward to fostering further connections through our shared appreciation for fine wine.
Historic Award for Akiko Freeman: The Green & White Medal for Agricultural Excellence
Akiko Freeman was recently honored with the Green & White Medal for Agricultural Excellence, becoming the first woman ever to receive this prestigious accolade. The ceremony, held at the Japanese Consul General’s residence in Los Angeles, recognized her for being the first Japanese winemaker with a wine served at the White House and her transformative approach to organic farming. Shinkichki Koyama, who presented the award, said of Akiko, “She worked very hard to achieve the best growing conditions on the property — irrigation, ensuring that the soil was well-drained and well-oxygenated — all with the long-term vision to produce better grapes under organic farming protocols.” Her efforts have significantly contributed to the agriculture sector, reinforcing Japan-USA relations. This milestone achievement underscores Akiko's pioneering role in the field.
We are honored that the White House featured our Ryo-fu Chardonnay at a recent State Dinner welcoming Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to the United States.
LE.PAN: The small Sonoma winery with Asian ambitions; “We don’t manipulate anything. We just try to grow the best fruit and bring out the best of it. That’s our philosophy.”
San Francisco Chronicle
A Bounty of Pinot Picks from Sonoma Coast,2009 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2009 Freeman Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($44, 14.1% alcohol): Ken and Akiko Freeman and winemaker Ed Kurtzman again show their ability to finesse the fruit from around the appellation - much from the Rayhill and Sexton Road sites near Sebastopol's Bodega Highway, but from Occidental and Petaluma as well. This straight Sonoma Coast bottle again slightly edges the stylish, green-peppercorn-tinged 2009 Akiko's Cuvee ($54, 14.2 percent) with its cool, saline edge. Aromas of damp forest (think redwoods after a rain), bright raspberry and duskier bayberry flavors make for a finessed, layered package. |
Savor
Shared VisionSavor Magazine, a NY Times Publication. After building up their boutique Sebastopol winery, Ken and Akiko freeman build the modern, light-filled home of their dreams. |
The Somm Journal
Insider Special Report: 2009 California Pinot Noir
High-scoring, low-production wines from around the world that may be difficult to find, but are worth seeking out: 2009 Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast (94 Points), 2009 Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvée, Sonoma Coast (93 Points), 2009 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley (91 Points). |
7x7 SF
Summer Wines to Pair With BBQs and Warm Weather:2008 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir Russian River Valley Freeman Pinot Noir ($46) is an outstanding Pinot and my top pick for steak. It's got the bold personality to stand up to any cut of meat and just about any sauce without taking anything away. Drink it alone, chill it slightly, or even drink it with chicken or fish. This is the kind of Pinot that's going to be good no matter what. |
Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Steve Tanzer's International Wine Cellar scores
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