Tucked away in the southwest corner of the Russian River , and just abutting the Sonoma Coast appellation, Freestone is rapidly building a reputation as an outstanding grape-growing environment, particularly for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Its warm, sunny days and cool, foggy nights prolong the growing season, which extends the hang time of the grapes on the vines. This, in turn, translates into heightened varietal flavor intensity. In addition, its rolling hills and combination of sandy loam and clay soil types allow the proper drainage and lower fertility that are particularly critical to the temperamental Pinot Noir grape. While its first vineyards were developed just ten years ago, today's Freestone growers include notable vintners Joseph Phelps , Marimar Torres and Dutton Estates .