A cool, slightly rainy weekend in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California was yet another perfect opportunity for wine tasting (as if I needed another reason to indulge!). This time, a visit to Chalone Vineyard tasting room in Carmel Plaza at Ocean Avenue and Mission Street resulted in a newfound appreciation for Monterey County’s historic, first winery. A bonus? Greg Freeman, Winemaker, spent time explaining his remarkable story and that of Chalone Vineyard.

Chalone Vineyard was first planted in 1919 and the brand began in 1960. The land is on a high-elevation (1800’) mountain plateau, the Gavilan Mountain Range, in Monterey County, at the base of an extinct volcano next to the Pinnacles National Monument. 250 acres of vineyards sit on the 950 acre property. Soils are decomposed granite and limestone and the broad diurnal temperature shifts result in wines with minerality, bright acidity and optimal balance between fruit, acid, and alcohol. In fact, the dry, arid area lured wine icon Dick Graff to the region decades ago – he wanted to make premium Burgundian-styled Chardonnay and felt that the region had the perfect conditions with which to do so. By 1976, at the Judgement of Paris, Chalone’s 1974 Chardonnay placed 3rd among some of California’s and France’s best wines.

Chalone Vineyard and Pinnacles Park – Photo Credit: Chalone Vineyard

The focus at Chalone Vineyard continues to be Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Limited amounts of Pinot Blanc, Chenin Blanc and Syrah are also produced. All wines are from estate grown grapes. Bottled on the estate, as well, approximately 8000 cases are produced per year. For more about the history, vineyards and sustainability strategies at Chalone Vineyard, click HERE.

Greg Freeman – Photo Credit: Chalone Vineyard

Greg Freeman’s resume doesn’t include just winemaking. This Renaissance man worked as a backcountry snowmobile guide during the day, and at night, was a chef in Crested Butte, Colorado. He sharpened his culinary skills at restaurants in Eugene, Oregon and became a commercial salmon fisherman. After these stints, he “put his college degree in microbiology and chemistry to work” with positions at scientific laboratories in Houston, Santa Fe and New Orleans while continuing his bartending and restaurant work. Freeman quickly became responsible for private events with fine wine collectors. His wine career officially began with the opportunity from Hahn Winery to “improve the winery’s lab capabilities.”

In 2003, Freeman became Winemaker at Hahn Family Estates in Soledad, California and became involved in the brands of Hahn Winery, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, Boneshaker, Cycles Gladiator, Rex Goliath and Huntington. Since 2017, Freeman was Winemaker for Georis/Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley, California and Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas.

Greg Freeman’s first vintage at Chalone was 2021 – he has successfully finished his third harvest.  He prefers a “clean style” of wine that “overdelivers on quality for price.” He wants to make wines that buyers remark “wow!” with “opulent aromas and palate profile.” By all accounts, Freeman is doing just that. The wines I tasted were exceptional.

From vines dating to the 1970s was 2021 Pinot Blanc that was fermented in stainless steel tanks. Bright citrus and stone fruit with Chalone’s signature minerality and chalky notes, the wine was silky and satisfying. Chalone’s 2021 Chardonnay Reserve spent time in new French oak and boasted notes of brioche, honey, butter and vanilla. Fresh and bright, 2021 Rose of Grenache was produced using the saignee style. Having spent 6-7 hours on the skins, the wine offered red berry aromas and hints of vanilla, thanks to barrel ageing. Only 150 cases are produced.

Photo Credit: Chalone Vineyard

2021 Pinot Noir Reserve was dark garnet in the glass and suggested red plums, cherries, vanilla and earth notes on the nose. Lush on the palate, I found mushrooms and raspberries, firm tannins and moderate acidity. 2019 Grenache leaned towards elements of smoke, blackberries, dark plums on both nose and palate. Soft tannins and a lasting finish were brilliant. Finally, 2019 Syrah was an unexpected delight with intense aromas of pepper, black plums and crushed blackberries. Flavors of pepper, black cherries and game meats were lifted with bright acidity and gripping tannins. For current pricing of all wines click HERE.

Lest I forget, Greg Freeman is a guitarist and solo bagpiper who may be found serenading the vines from time to time.

Chalone Vineyard tasting room (at Ocean Avenue and Mission Street on the ground floor of Carmel Plaza in Carmel-by-the-Sea) is open Monday through Saturday 11am – 6pm and Sundays 11am – 5pm. Call 831-223-0120.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

To continue the exploration of wine, check out my online wine education course, Discover the Essentials of Wine (and choose it like a pro!) available on Teachable.

Click HERE for information and to enroll.

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