96 Points Decanter
Yet another exhilarating and finely etched Chardonnay from Ken Pahlow, this one from the Freedom Hill Vineyard. Classic Walter Scott reduction on the nose, with serious salinity and smoky, chipped flint announcing this wine's mineral core, which buoys the intense grilled lemon wedge. The palate has verve and plays off the briny and smoky minerality
96 Points Jeb Dunnuck
Pale silver/yellow in hue and coming from Mount Pisgah Polk County, the 2023 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard turns up the intensity with notes of lime oil, crushed flint, starfruit, and subtle spice. Medium-bodied and saturating on the palate, the acidity is present but even, offering a graceful tension. The finish carries elegant notes of white peach and candied lime.
96 Points Vinous
The 2023 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard mixes nuances of ginger with crushed rocks, white smoke, incense and lemon oil. Silken and pliant, it envelops the palate with ripe orchard fruit. A cascade of inner florals arches across the senses, and an air of candied lime adds depth toward the close. Flinty and mineral intense, the 2023 finishes with contrasting sweet and sour tones while leaving a sensation of balanced structure. A fantastic rendition of Freedom Hill Chardonnay.
96 Points Owen Bargreen
This 2023 ‘Freedom Hill' Chardonnay comes from a 140 acre property that is set on marine sedimentary, uplifted seabed. Stored in roughly 50% new French oak, this offers buttered French bread and Key lime flavors that mingle well with honeydew melon, cashew nut and salty minerals. Smooth on the mouth, with terrific verve and weight, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten plus years, Drink 2025-2039.
96 Points International Wine Review
The 2023 Walter Scott Freedom Hill Vineyard Chardonnay from Mt. Pisgah was aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak, highlighting the vineyard’s marine sedimentary soils. The bouquet opens with scents of citrus zest, white nectarine, toasted brioche, and crushed almond layered over ripe kiwi fruit and a whisper of lemony herbs. On the palate, it is both generous and finely etched, carrying flavors of Meyer lemon, green pear, and hazelnut wrapped in a sleek mineral frame. The interplay of richness and energy gives the wine remarkable tension and drive, while its silky texture glides into a long, resonant finish. This is an exceptional Freedom Hill Chardonnay that captures both power and refinement, reflecting the depth of its coastal terroir. It would be superb alongside roasted halibut with a macadamia nut crust, where the dish’s richness finds perfect balance against the wine’s citrus lift and minerality. 425 cases produced. Highly recommended.
95 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Chardonnay Freedom Hill Vineyard comes from Dijon clone vines planted in 1995, 2010 and 2015. It was barrel-fermented and matured in 50% new, 228-, 350- and 500-liter French oak for 12 months, plus an additional three months in stainless steel. It has alluring aromas of apples, pears, apricot, jasmine, matchstick and crème brûlée. The medium-bodied palate is bursting with layered, perfumed flavors. It’s balanced by mouthwatering acidity and has a long, flinty finish. It will benefit from time in the cellar.
Winemaker Notes
Established in 1982 by Dan and Helen Dusschee and now tended by their son Dustin, the iconic Freedom Hill Vineyard stands as a testament to sustainable stewardship. Tucked into the gentle southeast slope of an uplifted, ancient sedimentary seabed in the Coastal Range, this site is shielded from the Van Duzer wind, resulting in a slightly warmer microclimate compared to the neighboring Eola-Amity Hills.
Freedom Hill’s distinguished terroir is highlighted in the new Mt. Pisgah, Polk County AVA within the expansive Willamette Valley. From this exceptional vineyard, we source 3 blocks of Chardonnay spanning in age from 10 to 30 years. The vines are planted to a mix of Dijon 76 & 95 clones, which we press together and co-ferment.
Our 2023 Freedom Hill Chardonnay offers a captivating bouquet of lime blossom, tangerine, and wet stone. On the palate, an exquisite balance of density and elegance unfolds, harmonizing with lightning-like acidity that imparts captivating liveliness. In a tantalizing twist, grilled lemon intertwines with the delicate allure of sesame oil and flint. A whisper of chalky texture enhances its depth, while the finish resonates with a briny, sea breeze minerality that lingers elegantly.
