Ken coaxes the more elegant side from Freedom Hill, proving in the process that there is indeed one! The 2018 is more Kylo Ren than previous vintage Darth Vaders, sporting blue and black fruits, violets, and cocoa powder-like tannin that helps frame the finish. Come on over to the dark side of Walter Scott. - Marcus
2016 vintage notes
95 points PinotFile: "Brooding aromas of black raspberry, spice and compost. Very classy, with mid weight flavors of black cherry, black raspberry and intense spice. A subtle pine, forest and floral note plays alongside the core of delicious fruit. The texture is enticingly silken, and the tannins are unusually tame for this vineyard. Overall, a highly nuanced wine with impeccable balance and an intensely aromatic and spicy finish that captivates."
2015 vintage notes
96-97 points PinotFile: "The nose is reserved but alluring with wafting aromas of cherry blossom, raspberry coulis and tobacco and an earthy underpinning. Unctuous on the palate with perfectly ripened fruit flavors of strawberry, cherry and raspberry. As typical with this vineyard, the tannins are a bit imposing but are not drying, and they smooth out over time in the glass. Wines from this vineyard can be a bit gruff, but that quality is not evident in this wine. I remained infatuated when I tasted this wine the following day from a previously opened and re-corked bottle. This one will stay the long course."
We’ve come to expect a darker and more structured Pinot noir from Freedom Hill; suffice it to say this delivers on our expectations. Packed with black and blue fruit, loam and brown spice notes, this young pup will benefit from mid- to longterm cellaring. Ken's familiarity with the vineyard dates back nearly two decades to his time at St. Innocent. - Marcus
2014 vintage notes
93 points Vinous, Josh Raynolds: "Cherry, black raspberry and smoky Indian spices on the deeply perfumed nose, which takes on a pungent floral quality with air. Sappy, concentrated bitter cherry and dark berry flavors show very good depth as well as vivacity thanks to a core of juicy acidity. Distinctly powerful yet lithe, featuring impressive, floral-driven persistence and resonating sweetness."
A more powerful Walter Scott wine, heaping generous black fruits, baking spices and a hint of violets.
2012 vintage notes
Darker and a touch mysterious, heaping buckets of dark cherries and a flash of blood orange and sweet cinnamon. Finishes with structure and rustic elegance. Only 125 cases made, and one of the finest expressions of Freedom Hill to date.