Freeman Winery

KR Ranch Pinot Noir

From 2004 through 2015, Freeman made a vineyard-designated Pinot Noir from Keefer Ranch in the Russian River Valley. When the Dutton family took over the management of this famous block in 2016, we came up with a new name for it: KR Ranch. The Russian River Valley includes many different microclimates. It is warm enough in the northern region for grapes such as Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, but in the southern and western areas, where KR is located, the Russian River Valley is much cooler—and perfectly suited for Pinot Noir. 

Each vintage, we harvest two side-by-side blocks of KR, featuring Dijon clone 777 and the Swiss clone 23 (also known as Mariafeld). Due to variations between the clones in cluster size and vine morphology, the blocks ripen at different rates. With clusters approximately the size of a closed fist, the 777 is typically ready for harvest a week or two earlier than the 23. The 23 has a long, loose cluster, resembling Syrah more than Pinot Noir. Combining these clones has always made an excellent blend for Freeman.

We had a stretch of several years when the crop levels at KR were so low that Freeman wasn’t able to get its normal 10 tons of Pinot Noir from this excellent site. Starting in 2023 and continuing in 2024, we shot back up to our expected tonnage. This supplied us with enough KR to add several barrels to our Russian River Valley Pinot Noir blend, and we could also bottle enough vineyard-designated KR Ranch Pinot to satisfy the high demand for this popular Freeman wine.

The Freeman 2024 KR Ranch Pinot Noir opens with a medium ruby color and an aroma of dark cherries, lavender, root beer and a hint of mint. On the palate, the flavors mimic the aromas with tart cherry fruit and chewy red berries. The acidity is ideal, keeping the wine’s fruitiness in check. Expect this wine to be at its best from late 2026 through 2035.