2009 Chasseur Pinot Noir Freestone Station
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Tasting notes
Lurid ruby. Assertive aromas of black raspberry, cherry-cola, anise and musky underbrush. Then juicy, tightly wound and sappy, with incisive flavors of red and dark berries, candied rose and mocha. This vivacious wine gets all over the palate. Finishes taut, bright and persistent, with a whiplash of sweet dark berries. Delicious now but I'd stash it away for at least another four or five years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2009 Pinot Noir Freestone Station boasts an impressively saturated ruby/purple color along with a glorious perfume of black raspberries, forest floor, earth and sweet cherry jam. Good minerality and floral notes also make an appearance in this complex, medium to full-bodied, elegant yet loaded Pinot. It should evolve for a decade or more. Sadly, only 150 cases were produced. Chasseur is a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir specialist, and a fine one at that. What follows is not the entire portfolio, but it is a relatively comprehensive look at four Chardonnays and then a bevy of Pinot Noirs from both the 2008 and 2009 vintages. I was able to taste eight already bottled 2009 Pinot Noirs and nine 2008s. The 2008s include several generic bottles such as the Russian River and Sonoma Coast offerings. The single vineyard Pinot Noirs primarily come from Russian River sites with the Joyce from the Sonoma Coast. The alcohol levels range from a low of 14% to a high of 15%, and production levels are modest with several in the 75-125 case range. Tel. (707) 829-1941