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.
Silver Eagle is a thirty-acre vineyard situated among the rolling hills north of Occidental, in the Green Valley viticulture area, at the western edge of the Sonoma Coast. Silver Eagle was planted by the late Ulises Valdez.
Ruby red in color. 14.8% ABV. Gorgeous nose of red fruits, cola, forest floor and flowers. Medium body with exquisite acidity. Light, ethereal and above all, elegant. Cherry, cranberry, pomegranate and minerals on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. Absolutely charming Pinot Noir that I only wish I had more of. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2020 version of this wine will be released to the mailing list this Fall.
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.