Ferren Wines
Frei Road Vineyard Pinot Noir
Sonoma Coast, Sonoma County, California, USA
Even though I’m a big fan of Ferren’s Frei Rd Chardonnay, this was my first Frei Rd Pinot.
Not sure of normal experiences here, but the richness here seems to fall in between Rivers Marie (love) and Aubert (just so so for me). Darker color in the glass…bit of a purple tinge to it. Aromatically it sports potpourri, violets, underripe black cherries, underripe blue fruit and some cedar. Initially, the front palate seems like it will be heavy based on all of the flavors but it turns really elegant. Dark chocolate, a slight roasted character, and spicy fruits. With RM, I get that orange zest note, and with Aubert, I get more alcohol and kirsch. My in between note here is more ripe pomegranate than either of the others. These probably need 5-7yrs from vintage to be in a good spot. Followed over two days and stayed consistent.
Even though I’m a big fan of Ferren’s Frei Rd Chardonnay, this was my first Frei Rd Pinot.
Not sure of normal experiences here, but the richness here seems to fall in between Rivers Marie (love) and Aubert (just so so for me). Darker color in the glass…bit of a purple tinge to it. Aromatically it sports potpourri, violets, underripe black cherries, underripe blue fruit and some cedar. Initially, the front palate seems like it will be heavy based on all of the flavors but it turns really elegant. Dark chocolate, a slight roasted character, and spicy fruits. With RM, I get that orange zest note, and with Aubert, I get more alcohol and kirsch. My in between note here is more ripe pomegranate than either of the others. These probably need 5-7yrs from vintage to be in a good spot. Followed over two days and stayed consistent.
14’ Ferren Frei Road Pinot Noir. MUST DECANT for a hour. Dark garnet in the glass. Medium bodied & takes on weight as it opens beautifully. Favor profile of black cherries, dark plum, spice, drop a vanilla. Remarkable elegance in the mouth, finish could of had another level . Drinking window now until 2024
14’ Ferren Frei Road Pinot Noir. MUST DECANT for a hour. Dark garnet in the glass. Medium bodied & takes on weight as it opens beautifully. Favor profile of black cherries, dark plum, spice, drop a vanilla. Remarkable elegance in the mouth, finish could of had another level . Drinking window now until 2024
Aug 26th, 2019
@Paul T- Huntington Beach @Peggy Hadley @Shay A @Eric LaMasters @leon egozi @Eric Shanks @Warren Sapp @Mike Smith @David L @Vanessa D @Anthony De Blasi @Bill Bender @Stanley Barrios thanks Paul. This is a wonderful Pinot!!
@Paul T- Huntington Beach @Peggy Hadley @Shay A @Eric LaMasters @leon egozi @Eric Shanks @Warren Sapp @Mike Smith @David L @Vanessa D @Anthony De Blasi @Bill Bender @Stanley Barrios thanks Paul. This is a wonderful Pinot!!
Jul 26th, 2019
An Xmas gift from a close friend @Bill Bender - thank you so much, Bill.
The nose is bright and boisterous, which oozes red currants and cinnamon. On the palate, this presents just like a contemporary burg. Light on its feet. Soft, round tannins with a lovely interplay of relaxed acid. Finishes with delicacy and elegance.
We are really looking forward to securing a 2019 allocation from the winery.
An Xmas gift from a close friend @Bill Bender - thank you so much, Bill.
The nose is bright and boisterous, which oozes red currants and cinnamon. On the palate, this presents just like a contemporary burg. Light on its feet. Soft, round tannins with a lovely interplay of relaxed acid. Finishes with delicacy and elegance.
We are really looking forward to securing a 2019 allocation from the winery.
Nice follow-on from the whites. Very Francophile in its presentation. Huge spice-box nose and mineral driven. Sweet tobacco on the palette with rich red currants. Nice, plush finish. Great stuff!
Nice follow-on from the whites. Very Francophile in its presentation. Huge spice-box nose and mineral driven. Sweet tobacco on the palette with rich red currants. Nice, plush finish. Great stuff!
Apr 27th, 2018
Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir.
Jan 20th, 2017Good year excellent Pinot for the price!
Good year excellent Pinot for the price!
Apr 19th, 2024
Very nice Pinot after an hour of air. I get raspberries, pomegranate, and assorted darker red fruits. Paired well with pasta/red sauce.
Very nice Pinot after an hour of air. I get raspberries, pomegranate, and assorted darker red fruits. Paired well with pasta/red sauce.
Mar 6th, 2024
When I find a gem. (@Shay A notes led me to investigate this one. Thanks Shay!).
Ferren was founded by winemaker Matt Courtney after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. Ferren is dedicated to producing tiny artisanal lots (only 575 cases annually) of single vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The 2020 Frie Road is ethereal, balanced, and nuanced. So many layers. So much beauty. So much goodness. Will be even better with some age, but I couldn’t wait.
When I find a gem. (@Shay A notes led me to investigate this one. Thanks Shay!).
Ferren was founded by winemaker Matt Courtney after an eight-year apprenticeship with Helen Turley at Marcassin Vineyard on the Sonoma Coast. Ferren is dedicated to producing tiny artisanal lots (only 575 cases annually) of single vineyard Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
The 2020 Frie Road is ethereal, balanced, and nuanced. So many layers. So much beauty. So much goodness. Will be even better with some age, but I couldn’t wait.
