Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2012

  • 90 Wine
    Enthusiast
2020 Vintage In Stock
25 99
OFFER 10% off your order of $99+
Ships Thu, Mar 21
You purchased this 3/19/24
1
Limit Reached
You purchased this 3/19/24
Alert me about new vintages and availability
Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 Front Bottle Shot
Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 Front Bottle Shot Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 Front Label Frei Brothers Reserve Russian River Pinot Noir 2012 Back Bottle Shot

Product Details


Varietal

Region

Producer

Vintage
2012

Size
750ML

ABV
14.5%

Your Rating

0.0 Not For Me NaN/NaN/N

Somm Note

Winemaker Notes

The Pinot Noir grapes were destemmed but not crushed to retain a significant portion of whole berries. Prior to fermentation, the grapes were cold soaked for two days to enhance color and create a round, rich mouthfeel. Fermentation temperature capped off at 83°F to preserve more delicate aromas like lavender and boysenberry. We used pump-overs and rotations in the cone-sweep and rotary tanks to encourage a smooth, elegant taste. Following fermentation, this wine was aged for eight to 10 months in a combination of new and used French and American oak barrels to complement the dark fruit flavors with toasted vanilla, treacle and spice.

Professional Ratings

  • 90
    Beguiling streaks of red cherry surround a light, spicy, food-friendly core that’s well balanced and integrated, the oak and tannin elegantly respectful of the red fruit. It offers medium weight amid the smoothness.

Other Vintages

2019
  • 93 James
    Suckling
2017
  • 90 Wine
    Enthusiast
2009
  • 88 Robert
    Parker
2008
  • 87 Robert
    Parker
Frei Brothers

Frei Brothers

View all products
Frei Brothers, California
Frei Brothers Winery Video

Frei Brothers Sonoma Reserve has been a part of the fabric of Sonoma County for over a century. After coming to California from his native Switzerland, founder Andrew Frei first established vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley in 1890. His two sons, Walter and Louis, eventually took over and adopted the name Frei Brothers. They successfully ran the winery for over 70 years. 

The beautiful Frei Brothers vineyards caught the eye of Julio Gallo soon after the repeal of Prohibition. He began using the site as a vineyard source for the rapidly growing E. & J. Gallo Winery. Once Walter and Louis had both retired in the late 1970s, the Gallo family purchased Frei Ranch. They have since further developed the vineyard to become what it is today. 

Their long history in Sonoma County has allowed us to form long-lasting connections with their growers — some relationships dating back as much as 70 years. Among these partners are some of Sonoma County’s oldest winegrowing families, farmers who have been cultivating their vineyards and perfecting their techniques over generations. Led by their passionate winegrower, Scott Johnsen, we work hand in hand with their vineyard managers and growers to select the best sites for each of their varieties. The result is exceptional fruit grown in its ideal place, which allows their winemakers to craft complex wines with immense clarity of flavor. 

When Scott joined Frei Brothers 14 years ago, he found himself at home among the vineyards on the historic, 125-year-old Frei Ranch. “I love that at Frei Brothers, we get to carry on the legacy of stewardship of the environment and quality of product that many generations have created,” said Scott. Scott also found himself at home in Sonoma County, a place that fully embodies all the best qualities he’s grown to love about California. 

Not only is Sonoma County beautiful, it also offers ideal conditions for growing their vines. We craft their award winning wines by working closely with vineyard managers and growers to carefully select the ideal sites for each grape variety. This allows us to source only the fruit that is best suited to its region. Their winemakers can then showcase the true varietal character of each grape, bringing the Heart of Sonoma County to each glass. 

Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing.

Image for  content section
View all products
Image for Russian River Pinot Noir content section
View all products

While the Russian River Valley is a large appellation with multiple climate zones and soil types, it is best known for cool-climate varieties, with Pinot Noir as the most celebrated. The grapes benefit from a reliable late afternoon flow of Pacific Ocean fog through the Petaluma Gap and along the Russian River Valley that ensures slow and steady ripening and the preservation of grape acidity. Today many of California’s most highly regarded Pinot Noir vineyards are in the Russian River Valley, along with its sub-appellation, Green Valley.

Historically Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs had bright red fruit and delicate earthy, mineral notes. But changes in viticultural and winemaking practices have led to stylistic changes in some of the region’s wines. Adjustments to canopy management, among other techniques, have resulted in riper fruit and bolder wines as well. These show flavors of black cherry, blackberry, cola, spice and darker, loamy earth tones, accenting traditional Pinot Noir notes of strawberry, raspberry and light cherry.

WWH133865_2012 Item# 133167

Internet Explorer is no longer supported.
Please use a different browser like Edge, Chrome or Firefox to enjoy all that Wine.com has to offer.

It's easy to make the switch.
Enjoy better browsing and increased security.

Yes, Update Now

Search for ""