2021 Ferren Wines Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard
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The 2021 Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard opens with wafts of matchstick that give way to citrus peel, almonds, gravel dust and crème fraîche aromas. The light-bodied palate is driven by firm, linear acidity. It's packed to the brim with citrusy flavors, and it has a long mineral-driven finish. Reminiscent of Chablis, this shimmery Chardonnay will be long lived in the cellar.
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James Suckling
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2021 Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard is a similarly youthful green-tinged color and comes from a vineyard that Matt Courtney worked with during his years at Marcassin. It takes on more peppery spice, with white pepper, gunflint, pristine green apples, and vibrant citrus blossom and zest. It offers fantastic energy with an electric feel, ripe acidity that never feels austere, a great linear drive, and a crunchy saline and mouthwatering finish. It has great mineral tension with great richness to balance it. Give it a couple years and drink over the following 12 or more.
Some wild aromas of cooked apples, oyster shells and matchsticks. Hints of tar and sea breeze. Full-bodied with a fantastic depth and intensity. So long and flavorful, yet it comes off light-footed. Thereâs a youthful focus to it but shows so much sophistication and complexity. Give it one to three years to open. Best after 2026.
The 2021 Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard is an explosive, heady wine. It is also a terrific example of how much the Ferren style has shifted away from the outright opulence of the first years. Tangerine peel, passionfruit, white flowers and mint soar from the glass. A hint of reduction lingers on the steely finish. All this needs is time.