The Davies family of Schramsberg Vineyards and Davies Vineyards in the Napa Valley is pleased to release its twelfth vintage of its Ferrington Vineyards Pinot Noir. The family’s experience with Pinot Noir dates back to 1967, when Jack and Jamie Davies first used this elegant red varietal to make their inaugural vintage of Schramsberg Blanc de Noirs sparkling wine. Over the 55 years following that first use, Schramsberg’s winemakers have built long-lasting relationships with some of the best Pinot Noir growers along the North Coast. Developing upon this passion, history, and experience, second-generation Vintner Hugh Davies, and Winemakers Sean Thompson and Csilla Kato, are proud to present this vineyard-designate Pinot Noir wine from the 2020 vintage.

The Ferrington Vineyards property, located approximately 100 miles north of San Francisco and 17 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean, is in a fertile pocket of land found at the edge of the northeastern foothills of Mendocino County’s Anderson Valley. Between 360 and 440 feet above sea level, the vines utilize over six feet of Boontling and Pinole loam soil, sustainable farming practices, and deficit irrigation to produce approximately 2.5 tons per acre of bright, complex fruit with great balance. Cool, foggy nights and steadily warming days provide a long, even growing season which delivers mature fruit depth with a vibrant, acidic backbone. Ferrington Vineyards is managed by our long-time grape growing partner, Paul Ardzrooni.

The 2020 growing season was mild overall, with bud break occurring earlier than in years past. More spring frost events than typical and little rainfall, set the region up for a low-yielding season resulting in densely concentrated fruit. Harvested grapes delivered beautiful intensity and rich balance.

“The 2020 Ferrington Vineyards Pinot Noir emits beautiful aromas of plum, dark cherry, strawberry, marionberry and pomegranate, with a touch of light toast, milk chocolate and an earthy background. A clean, bright entry on the palate supports a juicy cranberry center, followed by layers of blueberry, damson plum and orange pekoe tea along the way to a long finish.” — Winemakers Sean Thompson, Csilla Kato and Hugh Davies