At Freemark Abbey, A New Chapter Continues Its Storied History

Freemark Abbey wines and lively conversation flowed as Ted Edwards, Winemaker Emeritus, and Kristy Melton, Winemaker, hosted a delicious dinner at Sepia in Chicago. Local media and journalists were on hand to indulge in an array of exceptional wines and celebrate a new chapter in the story of Freemark Abbey.

This year, Ted Edwards, esteemed winemaker since 1985, passed the baton, so to speak, to Kristy Melton. Respect for Ted’s legacy was the theme of the evening and with every sip of magnificent Cabernet Sauvignon ranging from vintage years 1995 to 2015 and new releases of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet, I could understand why.

Ted Edwards, born in New Mexico and raised on an apple farm in Colorado, was equipped with an undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Food, Science and Engineering from University of California-Davis when his wine career began. He explained that he was hired by Freemark Abbey to work on the bottling line in 1980 and met those who continue to be “the salt of the earth.” After two harvests, he left to become the Associate Winemaker at Rutherford Hill, a position he held for three years. In 1985, he returned to Freemark Abbey and assumed the position of Director of Winemaking. “It was at Freemark Abbey,” he shared, “that I fell in love with Cabernet Sauvignon” and with each wine we tasted that evening, his affection for this noble grape showed.

In 1996, Edwards became Managing Partner and Director of Winemaking. He maintained his Director position in 2006 when Jackson Family Wines purchased the estate. Under his leadership, Freemark Abbey experienced a complete renovation of the historic stone building that accommodates not only a stunning tasting room but a popular restaurant, Roadhouse 29.

Ted Edwards’ creative approach, unyielding dedication to quality, and many years of experience in the vineyards of Napa Valley – particularly the Rutherford Bench – make him one of the region’s leading vintners. With a strong vision and commitment to Freemark Abbey’s respected reputation, Edwards’ innovative winemaking ideas have enhanced the estate’s entire line of coveted wines and solidified his place in the winery’s rich history. His many winemaking accomplishments include establishing the distinct style of Freemark Abbey’s iconic, single-vineyard Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon and continuing the thirty-plus-year legacy of the vineyard-designated Cabernet Bosché, while elevating the wine to new heights of critical acclaim. Freemark Abbey

By all accounts, Kristy Melton has large boots to fill. She’s poised for the challenge, however, thanks to her broad winemaking experience and on-site work with Ted as her mentor since 2018. In fact, Kristy is the first female winemaker at Freemark Abbey since 1886 when founder Josephine Tycheson became Napa Valley’s first woman on record to own and operate a winery.

Kristy has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Animal Science from Angelo State University in Texas and a Master of Science in Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis. Along with her experiences at Saintsbury, Clos Du Val, Iron Horse Vineyards, Seresin Estate in New Zealand and Jackson Family Wines, Kristy brings to Freemark Abbey a serious resume, plenty of knowledge and irrefutable evidence of commitment to winemaking. At dinner, she assured us all that the landmark, classic styles for which Freemark Abbey is known will be maintained and elevated during her tenure.

Upon arrival at Sepia and greetings all around, a chilled glass of 2019 Sauvignon Blanc. refreshing and flavorful with zesty acidity and ripe tropical fruit notes, was offered. A range of brilliant Cabernets from fruit cultivated in one of two vineyards on Napa’s Rutherford Bench were poured and paired with arugula salad sprinkled with pine nuts and shavings of parmesan and my choice of entrée, a perfectly seared trout with herbed vegetables.

During dinner, our group tasted Kristy’s 2018 Napa Valley Chardonnay, a wine that speaks to the rich history of the region and the luscious hint of what we may expect from her winemaking style. Vibrant and elegant with a touch of oak and notes of citrus and ripe tropical fruit, Kristy admitted that she “took it up a notch” with this delicious wine. Creativity meets classic…

Those magnificent Cabernets! Ted’s favorite, 1995 Sycamore Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, was a stunner with notes of spice, black pepper, dark currants, menthol, soft tannins and balance. While tasting, Ted remarked that “everything lined up” during the vintage to help produce this exceptional wine.

The 1999, 2009 and 2015 Cabernets from the Bosché vineyards, known for its wines of “sophistication, depth and longevity,” exuded signature notes of florals and full-bodied fruit, especially dark cherries. The 1999 and 2015 wines from the Sycamore Vineyard, a cooler climate vineyard set along the Mayacamas Range, were intensely dark in color and presented rich black currant flavors. A blockbuster, the 2017 Merlot offered abundant fruit, firm tannic structure and a smooth finish and the 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon, an opulent Bordeaux blend, was full bodied with dark fruit and chocolate.

As we swirled, sipped and compared vintage years and vineyard characteristics, I understood why Freemark Abbey remains exclusive and world-renowned.

Freemark Abbey is considered a “historic, classic, pedigreed producer” of prestigious, award winning wines. In 1949, the winery was one of the earliest in Napa Valley to offer tastes (then known as “samples”) to visitors. By 1970, Cabernet Bosché was one of the earliest vineyard-designated wines in California and in 1976, Freemark Abbey was one of only twelve wineries chosen to participate in the historic “Judgment of Paris;” it was the only winery to enter both a red (1969 Cabernet) and a white (1972 Pinot Chardonnay). Freemark Abbey continues to have one of the largest library programs in Napa Valley, a source of pride for all. For more about the winery’s compelling history, click here.

Ted Edwards reminded us that “Freemark Abbey is known for quality, balanced wines that are vineyard-driven.” He’s clearly pleased that his legacy will continue with Kristy Melton’s expertise, respect for tradition and a nod to the future. A new chapter indeed.

Cheers! ~ Cindy

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