Ken F

9.3

A nice bold dry can for Sunday sauce — 4 months ago

Julia Bourne

9.2

14.4% Gift from Richard. — 8 months ago

Shay A

9.3

I’ve opened a few Ferren Frei Rd chards (normally in the 4-5yr range) and have enjoyed them, but this was my first Lancel Creek. With the release coming up in a few weeks, I wanted to check in and figure out the profile. I’m between a 93-94 here.

Made by Matt Courtney (formerly at Marcassin, also winemaker at Arista). Beautiful straw colored in the glass with maybe a tinge of green, the aromatics are honeysuckle, sweet lemon, and sea salted almonds. I found this to be very similar to the Frei Rd in regards to acidity. So nervy all the way through. Totally coastal, but with a soft touch of rich fruit. Also similar to the Frei Rd, this is lemon everything (fresh squeezed lemon, lemon cream, lemon scone) but the mineral profile is more enhanced here. There’s a stone/slate vibe toward the finish that keeps this light on its feet. Oak is soft and plays a contributing role, not a dominating one.

I enjoyed this at pop and pour, then revisited 2-3hrs later and found the acidity had calmed down a bit. Definitely give this a decant now if possible, or hold a few more years. — 2 years ago

Garth Bardsley

9.3

Gift from Maryann. 2109 vintage. Lovely well rounded flavor. — 4 months ago

Jody Scharf

9.1

Very enjoyable Pinot, smooth cherries — 9 months ago

James Mosman

8.9

We liked it. — 3 years ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Yeah...this is really delicious.

If you like Paper Planes style, this is a similar style but, fuller, richer with more pronounced saline & minerality.

The nose reveals, floral, ripe, slightly candied fruits of; steamed strawberries, summer, lean jolly rancher watermelon, cherries, tangerine, blood orange, black cherries, black raspberries, slightly, baked rhubarb, steamed, white spice, cream soda, vanillin, hints of ginger with pink rose pedals with in a field of spring flowers.

The palate has nice richness, ripeness with excellent viscosity. The fruits are, candied, gummy, ripe and freshness. Steamed strawberries, summer, lean jolly rancher watermelon, cherries, tangerine, pomegranate, blood orange, black cherries, black raspberries, slightly, baked rhubarb, orange rind, pink grapefruit with pith, white spice with just the right amount of heat, lava volcanics, excellent, choppy chalkiness, cream soda, vanillin, hints of ginger with pink rose pedals with in a field of spring flowers. The acidity is like shooting fresh mountain river rapids. The really long finish is; well knitted, harmony fruit & earth with polish, elegance that is persist for several minutes.

Appreciate the 11.8 ABV.

@Dawn E. highly recommend their 18 for you. 👍

Photos of, their Frei Vineyard, two photos of Winemaker Matt Courtney and barrel room shots. — 4 years ago

Jess

9.1

Medium-deep ruby-purple color.
Aromas of black & red fruit, spice, cinnamon.
Dry. Flavors of cassis, black fruit compote, vanilla, cinnamon. Medium-rich, velvety tannins.

Intensity: 5/5
Complexity: 3/5
Balance: 5/5
Finish: 4/5 — 7 months ago

Deborah M

9.3

Weekend catch-up. 2020 Ferren Silver Eagle Vineyard - I pulled this wine to share with friends. Winemaker Matt Courtney founded Ferren after a lengthy apprenticeship with Helen Curley at Marcassin Vineyard. This wine gives briny minerality, citrus, and everything else that’s wonderful about a well made Chardonnay.
— 10 months ago

Christian Fischer

9.2

And I thought yesterday was a bad day at work ... so let’s go with another nice bottle :). This will take a few years to mature but great depth and enjoyable to drink — 4 years ago