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Freemark Abbey: profile and 10 wines from this Napa pioneer

Established in 1886, Freemark Abbey has been a pillar of Napa Valley’s Rutherford AVA since the 1960s. Today this historic estate is in the middle of a renaissance, with renovations, expansions and the transition from 40-year veteran winemaker Ted Edwards to his hand-picked successor.

Throughout its 135 years and numerous owners, the one constant at Napa Valley’s Freemark Abbey has been a focus on classically styled Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Now titled ‘winemaker emeritus’, Ted Edwards joined the estate as assistant winemaker in 1980 and became head winemaker in 1985. He remained at the helm until 2020 when he passed the torch to his hand-picked successor, Texas-born Kristy Melton.


Scroll down for tasting notes and scores of 10 current and older releases from Freemark Abbey



Freemark Abbey: new releases and older vintages


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