The weather in 2014 was so perfect, even our usually fog-shrouded vineyard in Freestone saw plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. Our cooler coastal sites love warm sum- mers and temperate fall weather, and reward us with generous, rich, elegant fruit. Our har- vest at Freestone was early as everything else was, coming in at the middle of the pinot pack on September 13. The red fruit notes carry the lead this year, with cranberry and red rasp- berry mingling with cardamom, nutmeg and bramble spice notes. There's an enveloping quality to the aromas that promises the richness ahead. The first sip fulfills that with plush raspberry pie flavors, carried on firm medium-grained tannins. The berries are accented with thyme notes and dark, exotic sandalwood incense-the famous "Freestone spice"- before ending in an assertive and lingering finish that carries another promise, of a long and beautiful life ahead. This is a great match for smoked duck or herb-roasted pheasant.