Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir

Freeman’s only 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 of the Green Valley, which has always been considered one of California’s ideal spots for Pinot Noir. Marcy, her son Craig, and their small crew hand-farm the Keefer Ranch year round with no outside help at all.

Since 2004 Freeman has been sourcing clones 23 and 777 from Keefer. Clone 23, also known as Mariafeld, comes from Switzerland, and provides both body and floral aromas when it reaches full maturity. Dijon 777 is a much smaller cluster than 23 and is responsible for a lot of the ripe, fruity flavors we find at Keefer. In 2011, we were able to purchase small amounts of clones 2A and Dijon 115. 2A is another Swiss clone and it is also know as Wadenswil. It reminds us of the spicy Swan selection we see in other vineyards we source from. Dijon 115 is a popular clone in California and one that consistently produces full, ripe flavors.

2011 was full of challenges for all of Freeman’s growers with spring frosts, very late spring rains, an incredibly cold summer, and a seventh cool September in a row. Marcy and Craig did an incredible job for us providing Freeman with some of our best fruit in a very difficult growing year.

From its medium garnet color to its enticingly fragrant nose of raspberry, rhubarb and cherry drops, this is a lovely expression of Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir. The rich texture on the palate has plenty of upfront fruit, perfectly supported by a typically brilliant framework of Keefer acidity. Though it is drinking very well with a few hours of aeration, the 2011 should be one of the slowest Freeman Keefer’s to evolve. Expect it to be at its best between 2015 and 2023.

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Scores

93 points
92 points
92 points

Accolades

2013 Top 100 - Rank #47
Freeman’s only vineyard-designated Pinot Noir comes from Marcy Keefer’s ranch located in the Russian River Valley. It brings beautiful aromas of wild cherries and red berries followed by intense spices, dried rose petals and hints of grilled herbs. This is a classy pinot with lots of character, showing amazing structure and balance. The finish is velvety and mouthwatering leaving berries and spices lingering. Since 2004 Freeman has been sourcing clones 23 (swiss) and Dijon 777 from Keefer. In 2011, they were able to purchase small amounts of clones 2A (swiss) and Dijon 115. This is probably the least approachable of all Freeman's 2011 releases, however the Keefer seems to be the most serious with the highest potential to evolve over the next decade. (Best 2014-2025)
July, 2013 (JD)

93 Points

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Ryo-Fu Chardonnay 91 points
Akiko's Cuvee Pinot Noir 92 points
Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 92 points
Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 91 points
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 90 points

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Specs

Vineyards
  • 100% Keefer Ranch, Russian River Valley
Clones
  • 47% Clone 23
  • 29% Dijon 777
  • 12% Dijon 115
  • 12% Clone 2A
Barrel Aging
11 months in French oak
  • 41% new
  • 41% one-year-old
  • 12% two-year-old
  • 6% three-year-old
Bottling
July 2012
Fermentation
Five-day cold soak in open-top fermenters, hand punched down one to three times per day, free run sent directly to barrel, press wine settled and barreled separately
Production
  • 750 ml: 350 cases
  • 1.5 L: 23 cases

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