They specialize in Pinot Noir: in fact, to start the winery, they traveled and searched for a land which could produce their ideal Pinot Noir. They found this area and Ken and Akiko Freeman established this winery in 2001.
The winery is in mountains but only 30 minutes or so scenic drive from Sebastopol.
They showed us the small but beautiful and functional winery.
Inside the fermentation vessel. Dry ice is used to control the temperature.
This is pneumatic press.
A bag inside is inflated and presses grapes against the wall of the cylinder.
Grapes can be pressed gently with this machine.
Then we got to taste wines in the cellar.
The wines were beautiful. They were big but elegant.
Concentrated fruit, herb and spice, with gentle and reliable structure.
JC's favorite was Yu-ki Estate.
My favorite was Akiko's Cuvee.
Yu-ki Estate was tender and Akiko's Cuvee was more complex.
Akiko studied art history but became winemaker to support her husband.
It is sweet of her, but tasting her great wines, I think she was destined to become a winemaker anyway.
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