There's a whiff of fresh earth on this brooding red, accented by blueberry, blackberry and dusky spices that build tannins toward the slightly firm finish.

Freedom Hill is just another word for nothing left to prove. I was sold after one sniff of this savory perfume of blackcap raspberries mixed with notes of earth, spicy vanilla bachelor's button flowers and a meaty wisp of seared steak. Elevated acidity and fine-grained tannins hoist flavors of black cherry, orange zest and English breakfast tea.

A blend of Wadenswil and Coury clones, the 2023 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard is a bright ruby color and is possibly my favorite wine in the range. It opens to salty notes of crushed stones before taking on darker, cigar box-like aromas of fresh hay, bright red fruit, spice box, redcurrants, and floral lavender perfume. The palate is very pretty and medium-bodied, with structured, fine tannins and a ripe, juicy feel that makes it a deceptively easygoing upfront and starts to build through a long finish.

Tea leaves, orange rind, boysenberries and button mushrooms on the nose, followed by a medium-bodied, mineral and gently earthy palate with chalky tannins. Attractive saline and citrus-rind notes to close. Drink or hold.

Initial wafts of iron and flint on the nose of the 2023 Pinot Noir Freedom Hill Vineyard give way to pure scents of cranberry, pomegranate, violet and orange peel, and it continues to reveal additional nuances as it spends time in the glass. Full-bodied, it floods the mouth with dark, perfumed fruit. It’s structured by chalky tannins and mouthwatering acidity, and it has a long, sapid finish. It should be long lived in the cellar.

Shows a gleaming medium ruby core edged by a vivid pink rim. Aromas of damp moss, dried porcini, & black tea rise from the glass, layered with a faint mineral intensity that evokes crushed basalt. On the palate, flavors of black cherry skin, roasted red plum, & smoked allspice come through with density & clarity. There's a savory core that anchors the wine, framed by sinewy tannins & a long, earthy finish. Highly recommended & editor's choice.