2020 Sonoma Coast Chardonnay

The 2020 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast is a blend of declassified barrels from Ferren's single-vineyard program. It was matured in 20% new French oak for 12 months and six months in stainless steel. It takes time to unfold from youthful flint and crème brûlée aromas to deeper tones of baked quince, warm peaches and roasted almonds. The light-bodied palate pairs concentrated, creamy flavors and generous yet integrated oak spice with lively acidity, and it has a long, nutty finish. 272 cases were made.

The 2020 Chardonnay (Sonoma Coast) is a racy, exuberant wine. Candied lemon peel, pineapple, vanillin and sweet spice are front and center. This is an especially ripe, tropical Chardonnay that captures plenty of the ripeness of this heat and drought affected vintage.

All of these wines from Ferren are a youthful golden hue with green highlights. A ripe and expressive perfume emerges in the 2020 Chardonnay Sonoma Coast, with orchard and tropical fruit of papaya, ripe peach, and salted lime. This medium-bodied Chardonnay is rounded with its ripe fruit but has a wonderful mineral texture and richness that holds things together. Drink this juicy yet fresh wine over the next several years. Founded by winemaker Matt Courtney and his longtime friend David Wherritt, Ferren focuses on single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the far Sonoma Coast. They had initially set out to be a Pinot Noir house, but they now produce an equal amount of Chardonnay, and the wines do not disappoint. The whites are textural, balanced, and highly expressive across the board.