2014 Ferren Frei Road Vineyard Chardonnay

Ferren was founded by winemaker Matt Courtney, who learned winemaking from Helen Turley at Marcassin. Courtney worked at Marcassin for eight years before moving to Arista, where he continues as winemaker. His business partner in Ferren is his long-time friend David Wheritt. Ferren wines are made according to traditional Burgundian methods, meaning the wines are made without fining or filtration. Reviewers have been highly complimentary about Ferren’s debut vintages of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Wine Advocate noted in 2016 that “Ferren is the single most exciting new label in Sonoma I have tasted over the last year…I can’t recommend these wines highly enough.”

Sonoma Coast AVA runs from San Pablo Bay in the south to Mendocino County in the north. It includes 7,000 vineyard acres and earned AVA status in 1987. Its proximity to the Pacific Ocean means it gets double the rainfall of nearby inland appellations and the ocean gives the appellation a relatively cool climate. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir can thrive in these conditions, and there are numerous producers making critically acclaimed Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

This white variety originated in Burgundy, but is now grown around the world. Its flexibility to thrive in many regions translates to wide flavor profile in the market. Chardonnay is commonly used in making Champagne and sparkling wines.