The 2007 Pinot Noir Freestone Hill Vineyard exhibits classic Russian River notes of sassafras, sweet black cherry and plum-like fruit, underbrush, and forest floor. Round, full-bodied, fleshy, spicy, and pure, this beauty should offer considerable complexity and enjoyment over the next 5-6 years. Sean Capiaux fashions O’Shaughnessy’s outstanding Cabernets from Howell Mountain as well as a half dozen impressive Pinot Noirs at his own estate, Capiaux Cellars.Tel. (707) 815-3191; Fax (707) 965-0116.

The dark ruby-colored 2006 Pinot Noir Freestone Hill Vineyard reveals notes of damp earth, root vegetables, and sweet currant, plum, and cherry fruit. This spicy, medium-bodied effort is a bigger, more muscular Pinot than the Widdoes Vineyard. It should drink well for 5-7 years. Sean Capiaux (who is also the winemaker for O’Shaughnessy on Howell Mountain) makes his own wines under the Capiaux Cellars label. He appears to have hit home runs with these early released 2007 Pinot Noirs, but he deserves high marks for his 2006s, a far more challenging vintage for this varietal.Tel. (707) 815-3191; Fax (707) 965-0116