Freemark Abbey Winery

Freemark Abbey offers some premium Napa Valley wines at very affordable prices and the grounds and setting are very lovely.  Freemark Abbey has been a Napa Valley landmark for over 125 years and has a long, interesting history as well as a great wine library.  At the time of our visit they offer a classic tasting of four wines for $15 and are in the Napa Neighbor Program. You will also want to stroll around the lovely grounds and take photos.

Our tasting began with the Freemark Abbey 2009 Sauvignon Blanc at $24.  This was a very nice, well-balanced wine with more melon than grapefruit on the palate and a hint of pleasant herbaceousness.  The Freemark Abbey 2010 Chardonnay ($25) was also good.  It had some peach notes and was not overly buttery as are some Chards.  Both of these white wines represent very good values.

I love Petite Sirahs but the Freemark Abbey 2007 Petite Sirah ($30) was too light bodied for my taste.  It had a bit of spice and some fruit but not enough substance for me.  The well-balanced Freemark Abbey 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon ($40), though, was very nice, with interesting integrated tannins, some black currant on the palate and a decent finish.  Definitely try this one.  It is very drinkable now.  We also tried a Freemark Abbey 2008 Merlot that was smooth, light and fruity.  Best of all, though, was the Freemark Abbey 2006 Sycamore Cabernet Sauvignon ($70). This is a powerful cab that I'd like to try again in a few years. Overall we were very pleased with the wines at Freemark Abbey and definitely  recommend a visit.  Service was exceptional. 

Freemark Abbey Winery
3022 St. Helena Highway North
Saint Helena, CA 94574
(707) 302-3721

Date of visit: November 2, 2011