Winemaker Matt Courtney founded Ferren Wines in 2013 with longtime friend David Wherritt after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. Ferren specializes in Sonoma Coast Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Matt is also the winemaker at Arista.
Light red in color. 14.8% ABV. Gorgeous nose of dark red fruits, cloves, sarsaparilla and forest floor. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Big, brooding and concentrated. Black cherry, raspberry, cranberry and baking spices on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. My first go with a Ferren Pinot Noir and this bottle delivered on all accounts. This wine needs more time in the cellar than comparable appellation Pinot Noirs. Best over the next 4-6 years.
My rating: 94 points.
I previously wrote about Ferren in Three New Mailers to Consider. I’ve been on the mailing list for several vintages and look forward to following Ferren in the years to come.