2018 Freeman Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvée
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Tasting notes
The 2018 Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvée has a medium ruby color and opens slowly to wild blue and red berries, graphite, tea leaves and bitters-like accents. The medium-bodied palate has a pleasant graininess and bright freshness which, paired with its generous fruits, will allow it to age very well in bottle. This comes mostly from the Yu-ki vineyard and was aged in 36% new French oak. 450 cases were made.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jeb Dunnuck
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2018 Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvée is a gorgeous, complex wine. In the past, the Cuvée has been more a wine of impact, but in 2018, the Akiko's Cuvée is more savory and spiced than in the past. There is a good deal of density that is going to need time to settle down. The 2018 is terrific, but my preferences in this lineup lean towards the vineyard designates. The blend is Yu-Ki, Gloria, KR and Sexton Road.
Lastly, the 2018 Pinot Noir Akiko's Cuvee is a blend of the Gloria, Yu-ki, and KR Ranch vineyards and spent 11 months in 36% new French oak. There are 450 cases, and its deeper ruby color is followed by a beautifully elegant, classic Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that has lots of darker raspberry fruits, floral and spicy notes, a touch of forest floor, medium-bodied richness and depth, and a great finish. It's a tighter, more vibrant effort that's going to evolve for a solid decade in cold cellars.