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.”
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Forbes
Your Weekly Treat: Freeman 2010 Pinot Noir
Freeman’s 2010 Pinot Noir, Keefer Ranch vineyard showcases what wine lovers fall for in Russian River Valley. Pinots: The wine is perfumed, large-framed, and palate-flattering, but entwined with a lively cut of acidity that gives it lift and definition. The world’s wine map is porcupine-pinned with producers claiming to bottle “Burgundian” style Pinot Noir, but Freeman has a case to make here—not so much in the juicy Californian ripeness of the fruit, but in the refinement of the wine’s balance. There is a connoisseur’s delicacy behind the obvious pleasure.... |
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Dan Berger's Vintage Experience
Exceptional: 2010 Freeman Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, “Ryo-fu”
This cool-climate, cool-year wine has a distinctive Burgundian note along with the citrus/lemon curd aroma of other cool-region Chardonnays. If served chilled, the wine will be a bit mute. Great acid and structure. Served with cream-based foods and not too cold. |
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