Frei Brothers : Reviews

Wines of the Week Wines Northwest, May 5, 2009 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "The original Frei Winery dates back to 1895 when Swiss imigrant Andrew Frei began making wine from grapes grown in his Sonoma County vineyard. His sons took over the winery in 1904 and the name was changed to Frei Brothers. Today, the winery produces six varietal wines. This is a great sipping Chardonnay with soft edges, creamy aromas and hints of citrus and apple to refresh your palate."

WINE OF THE WEEK The State - Columbia SC, September 20, 2006 2004 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Looking for a bold and flavor-intense chardonnay? You'll find a winner in this wine. Aromas of butterscotch and ripe pear fill the glass and tantalize your taste buds from the first sip. Flavors of peach, yellow apple and vanilla slide across the tongue and take hold. The finish is seductive, with notes of vanilla and hints of tropical fruit blanced perfectly with crisp lemon-zest acidity."

Wine of the Week Wineskinny.com, April 2, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "This week, I thought I’d offer up this reasonably-priced, widely-available Chardonnay for anyone who is trying to quickly stock up for a long Spring weekend. It offers a rich, California style that often costs twice as much. Enjoy! Frei Brothers 2007 Chardonnay Russian River Valley Reserve ($20). Ripe, lush peach character is balanced against crisp apple, tropical citrus, cream, buttered toast and light, fresh spice notes. With a generous, toasty finish. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years."

Recommended Miami Herald, March 6, 2008 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Russian River Valley: lean and crisp, aromas of oak; intense; rich flavors of lemons and limes."

RECOMMENDED Miami Herald, February 18, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Aromas and flavors of lemons, pears, peaches; rich and soft."

San Diego National Wine Competition, April 30, 2002 2000 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

B 1WineDude.com, April 3, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Peaches & cream, but those peaches are balanced, toasty & downright crispy."

Park Cities (Dallas) TX, August 19, 2004 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Ripe and concentrated fruit aromas and flavors are this white wine's. Some say less is more. I say, less can bore. This toasty, spicy Chardonnay is packed with a spectrum of fruit experiences."

Wine & Spirits, April 1, 2003 2001 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "The fruit of the cool Russian River Valley woodlands, this feels like a soft rain through the fig trees and maples, sweet as maple syrup and honey, frisky as the bite of a fresh apple. The wine's earthiness is crowned by sap, round and clean, a young Chardonnay for veal with wild mushrooms."

Wine Enthusiast, May 1, 2003 2001 Russian River Valley Chardonnay EDITOR'S CHOICE "A complex and balanced wine that shows green apples, peaches and pears and a nice overlay of oak. You could say that about a lot of wines, but this beauty is so tasteful and nuanced, it's especially likeable."

Wine & Spirits, April 1, 2004 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Gallo's investiments in Sonoma have paid off handsomely in appellation-specific wines like this chardonnay. It's complex and layered, with a Russian River Valley clarity to the flavors. Oak broadens the fruit elements of lemon and apricot, adding a brown-sugar glow. But the wine remains dry, finishing with an impression of freshly turned earth. Decant a bottle for veal and porcini stew."

Wine News, June 1, 2001 1999 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Tastings.com/BTI, October 1, 2001 1999 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Wine Spectator, June 30, 2004 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "A racy white, with ripe, lively pear, citrus, honeydew melon and hints of clove and nutmeg. Well-focused on the fruit, which it keeps at the forefront."

Wine Enthusiast, December 1, 2005 2003 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Rich in well-ripened fruit flavors and with a sweet coat of smoky oak and vanilla, this Chard also has a structural integrity based on crispness and vitality. It's not a soft, creamy Chard, but a firm one, with exotic fruit."

Wine & Spirits, April 1, 2005 2003 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Lasting on citrus fruit, with flavors of lemon curd and pale orange marmalade, this simple wine is integrated, holding together with enough intensity for grilled mahi mahi with lemon butter."

Wine Review Online.com, April 22, 2008 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Round and mellow in texture, this Chardonnay has bold fruit flavors emphasized by a flash of zesty citrus. A touch of oak completes the picture, but happily both the oak and the butteriness of malolactic fermentation are more subtle and better integrated into the whole than in past vintages, resulting in a more thoroughly enjoyable and food-friendly wine."

Wine News, August 1, 2008 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Pale gold hue. Light apricot and peach aromas. Nectar-like sweetness with peach, vanilla and banana flavors. Clean, even close with a combination of drying minerals and ripe tropical fruit."

The Wine Advocate, December 31, 2008 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "The 2007 Chardonnay reveals some oak along with plenty of tropical fruit, and a steely background character. Reminiscent of an exhuberant French Macon, it should be drunk over the next several years."

The Wine Advocate, February 28, 2010 2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "The delicious, honeyed 2008 Chardonnay offers subtle new oak aromas interwoven with tropical fruit, poached pear, and citrus oil characteristics. It should drink nicely for 2-3 years or longer."

Wine Spectator, June 15, 2001 1999 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Zesty acidity keeps the flavors fresh and lively, with pretty citrus, tangerine, pippin apple and creamy oak. Turns complex, and is a wonderful value at this price. Drink now through 2006. 18,000 cases made."

Wine Spectator, June 15, 2001 1999 Russian River Valley Chardonnay

Connoisseur's Guide to California Wine, October 1, 2007 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Buttery, creamy and caramelly aromas give the wine a somewhat confected start, but fruit never disappears altogether in the nose, and it is the fruit that lifts this one beyond its bold winemaking-derived richness in the mouth. Its finishing brightness adds to its evident charms and will allow the wine to serve alongside roast chickens with pan-reduction gravies."

California Grapevine, February 1, 2003 2001 Russian River Valley Chardonnay HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2007 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Polished and sophisticated, with lush green apple, pineapple, buttered toast and cinnamon flavors. Likeable for its balance and sheer drinkability."

Wine Spectator, February 28, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Ripe, floral, peachy Chardonnay flavors are clean, delicate and full-bodied, but not heavy, ending with a subtle touch of oak. Drink now through 2014."

Wine Spectator, June 25, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Ripe, floral, peachy Chardonnay flavors are clean, delicate and full-bodied, but not heavy, ending with a subtle touch of oak. Drink now through 2014."

Wine Spectator Online, February 5, 2010 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Ripe, floral, peachy Chardonnay flavors are clean, delicate and full-bodied, but not heavy, ending with a subtle touch of oak."

Wine Spectator, November 30, 2009 2007 Russian River Valley Chardonnay 19 California Values for $20 or Less "Ripe, floral, peachy Chardonnay flavors are clean, delicate and full-bodied, but not heavy, ending with a subtle touch of oak. Drink now through 2014."

Wine Spectator, May 31, 2002 2000 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Serves up lots of ripe, rich complex fruit, with fig, pear, nectarine and apple flavors that are focused and flavorful."

Wine News, August 1, 2002 2000 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Vibrant gold hue. Complex aromas of pear, lemon curd, butter and a touch of mineral. Lush flavors of white peach, lemon, butterscotch and new oak. Lingering, sweet clove with a touch of spice."

Wine News, August 1, 2006 2004 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Briny aromas of green apple and oak. Tangy pineapple flavors and a bit of honey. Bee pollen dustiness in the close.

The Wine Advocate, December 31, 2007 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "This is a well-made, mid-weight Chardonnay with hints of orange zest, hazelnut, and some white currants in a medium-bodied fresh, lively style with a subtle influence of wood. Drink it over the next year."

The Wine Advocate, August 31, 2008 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "This is a well-made, mid-weight, Chardonnay with hints of orange zest, hazelnut, and some white currants in a medium-bodied, fresh, lively style with a subtle influence of wood. Drink it over the next year."

Wine Review Online.com, August 19, 2008 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Though this is a bit short on the finish and doesn't have the intensity of some past vintages, the '06 Frei Brothers Reserve Chardonnay still has plenty to offer, beginning with the signature lemon custard aroma profile characteristic of good Russian River Chardonnay. There's more fruit than meets the eye, too, but wood notes dominate the backend."

Wine Enthusiast, December 1, 2008 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Made in an immediately appealing, oaky way, this Chard has appealing peach, pear, green apple and honey flavors that taste like they were baked into a pie. Easy to find, with more than a million bottles in circulation."

86 Quality 86 Value Wine Lovers Page - Internet, June 28, 2004 2002 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Fruit forward in the California style, the nose and palate show a host of pear, peach, citrus and vanilla notes. Nicely balanced."

86 Quality 86 Value Wine Lovers Page - Internet, November 1, 2006 2004 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "You'll find a crisp, fruity, buttery wine, with lemon curd, peach and barrel notes adding to the roasted cashews."

Wine Enthusiast, December 15, 2002 2000 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "A pleasant, medium-bodied wine that offers pretty pear, melon, citrus and apple notes."

Wine Spectator, April 30, 2003 2001 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Perfumed floral and fruity aromas lead to a complex core of earthy pear, citrus and grapey flavors."

Wine Review Online.com, September 2, 2008 2006 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "With toasty aromas of butterscotch and vanilla, you can immediately tell that this Chardonnay will be on the luscious side. The wine has butterscotch flavors and a round mouthfeel, with lemon/citrus notes and a nice soft finish."

5 Stars - Exceptional Restaurant Wine, September 1, 2006 2004 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Full bodied, supple, and crisp; a Chardonnay with complex character (baked bread, roasted nut, lemon peel, vanilla), good balance, and a long finish."

Houston Chronicle, August 22, 2007 2005 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "2005 Frei Brothers Chardonnay also from the Russian River Valley and some of theat from Laguna Vineyard, which is easily detectable with its trademark citrus-lime overtones; very nice fruit, and the oak influence is well-integrated opulent without cloying."

Restaurant Wine, February 1, 2002 2000 Russian River Valley Chardonnay "Excellent: very ripe and fruity in style (apple, pineapple), with full body, smooth texture, and a long finish. It has overtones of roasted nuts, lemon peel, lime, and vanilla."