2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir

Vineyards: 27% O’Connor, 19% Bailey, 18% Meredith Estate, 14% Keefer Ranch, 10% Thorn Ridge, 6% Pratt and 6% Connell
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: 10 months in 100% French oak, 34% new, 25% one year old, and 41% two and three year old barrels
Bottled: August 1 and 2, 2007
Production: 1,930 cases 750 ml, 24 cases 1.5L

The 2006 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir is Freeman's third 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.

There were 7 contributing vineyards in the 2006 Freeman Russian River blend. The largest component was Jim and Mary O’Connor’s vineyard located just a short drive from our winery.  Jim and Mary started making their own label at Freeman in 2006 and also farm Chardonnay for Paul Hobbs. Frank and Cynthia Bailey’s vineyard on Furlong Road came next, followed by Merry Edwards’ own Meredith Estate on Burnside Road.

A few Keefer barrels went into the mix of the Russian River Pinot in 2006, but most of them went into the 2006 Keefer Ranch Pinot Noir. Ted Klopp’s Thorn Ridge Vineyard was also represented in the Russian River, as well as Jim Pratt’s vineyard on Maddocks Road, and finally Brian and Sally Connell’s vineyard in the very cool Bennett Valley. Both the Pratt and Connell Vineyards were new for Freeman in 2006.

Similar to 2005, the 2006 Freeman Russian River Valley Pinot Noir will be the most approachable Pinot in our line up. The nose is shy at first, but opens up to reveal interesting scents of pomegranates and earth. The palate is lush with plum flavors, round tannins and fairly low acidity. The fruit goes on and on in the finish and predicts a Pinot which should drink well for the next 6 years.