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Frei Road, Chardonnay, 2021
Invariably exciting, the 2021 Frei opens up with vivid, high-definition fruit on the nose, grapefruit pith and citrus oil, and a smoky note too. Frei is always the vineyard with the highest acidity and the focus that brings makes for a thrilling wine, giving a keen edge to the fruit and an overall sense of energy. The combination of ripe fruit, with salt and energy shot through it is irresistible. Matt Courtney’s Frei Road comes from the famed Martinelli Zio Tony vineyard, the very same site that Marcassin pulled fruit from. A single clone, Dijon 548 makes up the blend. This vineyard has been farmed by the Martinelli family for generations and continues to be tended by George Martinelli. A mild climate graces this corner of Sonoma, and Chardonnay grapes ripen slowly in the well-draining Goldridge soil. Located near the village of Graton in the rolling hills south of the Russian River, Frei Road Vineyard produces a wine of great complexity, tension, and minerality.
critic reviews
The 2021 Chardonnay Frei Road Vineyard opens with wafts of matchstick that give way to citrus peel, almonds, gravel dust and creme fraiche 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.
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.