Château de Ferrand 2015

This delivers a direct beam of red and black currant paste flavors underscored by roasted cedar, tobacco and savory notes. Shows a sanguine echo on the finish. Slightly taut in feel overall, but with good length and focus. Best from 2020 through 2030. 10,833 cases made.

Ripe plum, blackberry and chopped mint, as well as vaguely buttery vanilla aromas, reflect the sunny, hot vintage—and the winemaking. There is plenty of initial ripe-fruit pleasure—certainly more body than the 2014—making this wine pleasant. But it leaves an overall simple, straightforward impression, with drying, oak-derived tannins that detract from the initial fun and joy. Cellaring could add complexity, but I’m not so sure. Double-decanted and tasted over a two-day period.

Aromas of attractive red flowers, black cherries, chalk and deep cedary wood. This wine has a super fresh and tight-knit feel to it. The palate is laced up tight with fine, smooth tannins. Reserved and elegant. Full of finesse. Best from 2022.

Blackish ruby. Slight hint of overripeness on the nose. Edge of cheesiness. For the first time in this collection of St-Émilions from 2016 and 2015 I am aware of acidity as an obvious, unintegrated ingredient. Rasping dry tannins on the finish again. (JR)

The 2015 de Ferrand has developed nicely since I last tasted it. Succulent red cherry, blood orange, cinnamon, sweet French oak, cedar and new leather add nuance to the plummy, voluptuous fruit. Open-knit, silky and sensual in the glass, the 2015 has much to recommend it. This is an especially juicy, open-knit style, and yet all the elements are in the right place. More importantly, the 2015 has gained a bit more volume and depth with aging. My impression remains that de Ferrand could be an even more impressive and complete wine.

Forward, medium-bodied, bright, almost tangy — red fruits. For complexity you find thyme, earth, and coffee bean nuances. You should drink this in its youth.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, subtle brightening on the rim, attractive sweet cherry fruit, hints of liquorice, floral notes. Juicy, a touch of red berries, tight-knit, fine tannins, pleasant freshness, mineral-salty finish, taut style, good ageing potential.

Dense purple core. Pure and floral nose of violet, ripe dark berries, cassis, blackberry and discreet oak. Medium to full weight and volume, still youthful but with ripe tannins and fresh acidity, nice wild berry notes, digest and fresh with good length and persistence. Still youthful and restrained but with nice purity and potential.

Plush, fruity, sweet bouquet with black cherries, nougat, and cinnamon. Opulent, fruity, sweet palate with a generous texture, fine sandy tannins, sweet aromatics, and a dry finish. Has room to improve. 16/20 2022 - 2035

Deep color. The aromas are expressive, and the wine is in a woody phase with pronounced clove notes over an airy texture. 80 merlot, 12 cabernet-franc, 8 cabernet-sauvignon.

The bouquet of Ferrand 2015 showcases its terroir beautifully. It reveals chalky notes as well as characteristics specific to the 2015 vintage: a warm touch and some candied nuances. The attack is juicy and creamy. Lovely aromatic expression on the palate, where the tannins and structure are in harmony. The sunny character of the vintage is well framed by limestone-driven tension, which adds a touch of verve and brings overall balance. Fruity, persistent finish.