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.
Crimson in color. 14.8% ABV. Charming nose of red and blue fruits, cloves and violets. Medium to full bodied with exquisite acidity. Plush and opulent with impeccable balance. Bing cherry, pomegranate, sarsaparilla and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Really compelling from a jewel of a vineyard. Best over the next 3-5 years.
My rating: 95 points.
The 2021 version of this wine will be released to the mailing list later this year. Pricing should be around $80.
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.