2017 Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Vineyard Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley

Among no fewer than five Freedom Hill cuvées from Patricia Green in 2017, this pokes out just a bit richer and fuller than the others, with brambly black cherry fruit and savory herbs. The tannins taste of black tea, and as the wine takes a deep dive down the palate, streaks of cola bring additional highlights. Quite young, but with superb long-term potential.

93 points Paul Gregutt wineenthusiast.com

Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Vineyard Pinot Noir is a compelling and site driven expression of the Willamette Valley, sourced from one of the region’s most distinctive vineyards planted high in the Coast Range foothills. Freedom Vineyard sits at elevation on marine sedimentary soils rich in sandstone and siltstone, a terroir that gives Pinot Noir savoury structure, earthy nuance and natural tension rather than overt sweetness. The site is cooler and wind exposed, with long growing seasons that allow slow, even ripening and preserve aromatic lift and acidity. These conditions produce Pinot Noir with clarity, restraint and a strong sense of place, hallmarks of the Freedom Vineyard character.

Patricia Green Cellars was founded by the late Patricia Green, one of Oregon’s most influential and respected figures, whose legacy is built on transparency, vineyard expression and fearless honesty in winemaking. She believed deeply that great Pinot Noir is defined by site first, not by cellar tricks, and Freedom Vineyard became one of the key voices in her portfolio. Today the winery continues under the stewardship of Jim Anderson, maintaining Patricia’s philosophy of minimal intervention, gentle extraction and thoughtful oak use. Each vineyard is handled individually, with the aim of letting the site speak clearly and unapologetically.

In the glass the wine shows a bright ruby colour with excellent clarity. Aromas unfold slowly, revealing wild strawberry, red cherry and cranberry layered with dried herbs, forest floor, spice and a subtle saline, mineral edge that reflects the marine soils. The palate is finely structured and energetic, delivering pure red fruit, savoury depth and fine, powdery tannins carried by vibrant acidity. There is a quiet persistence and seriousness to the finish, making this a wine that rewards both food and contemplation. It pairs beautifully with roast duck, lamb, mushroom dishes and grilled salmon, and it has the balance to age gracefully for ten to fifteen years, developing truffle, dried flower and earthy complexity over time.

Patricia Green Cellars Freedom Vineyard Pinot Noir is a confident and authentic Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, capturing the spirit of both a remarkable vineyard and one of Oregon’s most important winemaking voices.