The Frey Family is the undisputed pioneer of the organic/no sulfite winemaking movement in California. The 61 acre vineyard is located in a undeveloped corner of the Redwood Valley and was planted originally over 30 years ago. When I visited with Matthew Frey back in February of this year, the area had just received several inches of snow and the vines surrounding the area were covered in the glistening white powder. It was a gorgeous ride up the ranch! I spent nearly four hours talking and tasting with Matthew and was impressed with both his relaxed demeanor and his knowledge of wines. He acknowledged that making organic wines... is much easier than making wine without sulfites. They are continually working on ways to improve quality. The new bottling line features a nitrogen/vacuum system that allows them to bottle without air contact... The overall quality is improving and the following wines I found to be impressive:

• 1999 Biodynamic® Chardonnay. Loaded with fresh apple aromas with a hint of vanilla. Nicely round with a clean finish. This is more a "food" Chardonnay than a "cocktail" kind of wine. Has nice natural acidity.
• 1999 Biodynamic® Zinfandel. Very nice ruby color, lots of fresh raspberry/blackberry notes, has some depth and concentration.
• 1999 Organic Pinot Noir. Lovely strawberry fruit! Very pretty wine, lighter style -- however, clean and very well done.
• 1998 Organic Petite Sirah. Tons of fresh black pepper with blueberry fruit aromas -- try it with spicy foods of all types!