Ferren Wines

Frei Road Vineyard Chardonnay

9.357 ratings
9.318 pro ratings
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Chardonnay
Duck, Shellfish, Goose, Mushrooms, Manchego & Parmesan, Game, Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chicken, Turkey, Cheddar & Gruyere, Meaty & Oily Fish, White Fish, Shellfish, Crab & Lobster, Cream Sauces
Top Notes For
Shay A
9.4

This 2017 is less opulent, more compact, and tightly coiled compared to the 2016. Because of that, I followed this wine over two days.

On day one, this was tart and tangy…almost steely and too powerful. Day two saw this blossom and expand on the palate. The tart/tangy vibe is still there but it’s accompanied by a deep richness. Everything about this Chardonnay is lemon driven…lemon oil, lemon scone, powdered lemon tart bar, especially on the nose. There is a nervy vein of acidity at the core carrying notes of pineapple and white peach, but never pushed too far to the ripe side. One of those wines that retains freshness with the richness. If popping now, decant 1-2hrs or hold another few years, and enjoy the 2016 before opening this 2017!

This 2017 is less opulent, more compact, and tightly coiled compared to the 2016. Because of that, I followed this wine over two days.

On day one, this was tart and tangy…almost steely and too powerful. Day two saw this blossom and expand on the palate. The tart/tangy vibe is still there but it’s accompanied by a deep richness. Everything about this Chardonnay is lemon driven…lemon oil, lemon scone, powdered lemon tart bar, especially on the nose. There is a nervy vein of acidity at the core carrying notes of pineapple and white peach, but never pushed too far to the ripe side. One of those wines that retains freshness with the richness. If popping now, decant 1-2hrs or hold another few years, and enjoy the 2016 before opening this 2017!

Dec 16th, 2021
Ron R
9.5

WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
Bright as a button from beginning to end. So uncomplicated and accessible. Nose displays yellow apple and honeydew melon. Is this oak-treated? Finish shows honey, waxy lemons and moderate acidity. A royal flush for sure…
A gift from
@David L - big thanks, David!

WNH NY, 2021.
From magnum.
Bright as a button from beginning to end. So uncomplicated and accessible. Nose displays yellow apple and honeydew melon. Is this oak-treated? Finish shows honey, waxy lemons and moderate acidity. A royal flush for sure…
A gift from
@David L - big thanks, David!

Oct 3rd, 2021
Andrew S

Really drinking nicely. Big fruits, touches of match stick, nice acidity. @Antonio Galloni ‘s notes are pretty close to what I’m getting as well, though it does tip toe into the tropical fruit as well. Pretty well balanced for that bigger feeling Chardonnay.

Really drinking nicely. Big fruits, touches of match stick, nice acidity. @Antonio Galloni ‘s notes are pretty close to what I’m getting as well, though it does tip toe into the tropical fruit as well. Pretty well balanced for that bigger feeling Chardonnay.

Aug 27th, 2020
Mike R
9.4

Incredible chard - enjoying with my amigo @R Bowers and our wines at the lake - trying very badly at social distancing- all smiles - amazed at delicate dance this wine does

Incredible chard - enjoying with my amigo @R Bowers and our wines at the lake - trying very badly at social distancing- all smiles - amazed at delicate dance this wine does

May 3rd, 2020
David L

Mag , incredible . 20 cases made, maybe a dozen mags. Jump on the whites. Patience, wait two years before opening a bottle. It’s that much better if you do .

Mag , incredible . 20 cases made, maybe a dozen mags. Jump on the whites. Patience, wait two years before opening a bottle. It’s that much better if you do .

Jun 23rd, 2019
David L

Perfect time to drink the inaugural vintage. Only 20 cases made.

Perfect time to drink the inaugural vintage. Only 20 cases made.

Jun 16th, 2019
Greg Koslosky

Magnum Classic Sonoma Chardonnay that is understated and mineral driven .

Magnum Classic Sonoma Chardonnay that is understated and mineral driven .

Jan 1st, 2018
Bill Bender

My first Ferren and I’m prepping with a 2-3 decant as suggested by @Roman Sukley @DAG and @David L notes to follow. For now the wine is moderately cloudy, nose of yeast and brioche with a quite strikingly vibrant pear yellow hue. Happy Thanksgiving Delectable peeps who always entertain and often inform. This is a spectacular, exceptionally well made Chardonnay. Oily, rich and loaded with viscosity but also so energetic and full of verve. I’m impressed. As close to Kongsgaard The Judge that I’ve had at a fraction of the price.

My first Ferren and I’m prepping with a 2-3 decant as suggested by @Roman Sukley @DAG and @David L notes to follow. For now the wine is moderately cloudy, nose of yeast and brioche with a quite strikingly vibrant pear yellow hue. Happy Thanksgiving Delectable peeps who always entertain and often inform. This is a spectacular, exceptionally well made Chardonnay. Oily, rich and loaded with viscosity but also so energetic and full of verve. I’m impressed. As close to Kongsgaard The Judge that I’ve had at a fraction of the price.

Nov 23rd, 2017
Mitzi Inglis

Marketing/Public Relations, Joseph Phelps Vineyards

8.9

Super rich, full bodied Chardonnay.

Super rich, full bodied Chardonnay.

Aug 5th, 2017
David L

13'Ferren Frei Road Chardonnay. I've been waiting some time for the release of these wines. Matt Courtney's inaugural release of his 2013 collection. Matt was the assistant winemaker for Marcassin with Helen Turley for 10 years. His passion for Burgundy is so represented in this Frei Road (Martinelli sourced)Chard. The rarest of Ferren's production. I know I'm a year, if not two early on opening this wine. Couldn't wait any longer… a whopping two weeks😅

I stood this bottle up for a couple of days, and decanted it for 30 minutes.The wine jumps out of the glass with floral and citrus notes. It's full-bodied beautiful chard. The palate is a full of limes, green apples, lemon peel. Finishing with rich acidity throughout & a bit of key lime pie. It as expected, got even better the 2nd hour. A great food pairing Chardonnay! If you're able to join this waiting list! This has the potential of being a perfect wine in a year or two!
# Ferren wines

13'Ferren Frei Road Chardonnay. I've been waiting some time for the release of these wines. Matt Courtney's inaugural release of his 2013 collection. Matt was the assistant winemaker for Marcassin with Helen Turley for 10 years. His passion for Burgundy is so represented in this Frei Road (Martinelli sourced)Chard. The rarest of Ferren's production. I know I'm a year, if not two early on opening this wine. Couldn't wait any longer… a whopping two weeks😅

I stood this bottle up for a couple of days, and decanted it for 30 minutes.The wine jumps out of the glass with floral and citrus notes. It's full-bodied beautiful chard. The palate is a full of limes, green apples, lemon peel. Finishing with rich acidity throughout & a bit of key lime pie. It as expected, got even better the 2nd hour. A great food pairing Chardonnay! If you're able to join this waiting list! This has the potential of being a perfect wine in a year or two!
# Ferren wines

3 people found it helpfulDec 6th, 2015