Château de Ferrand 2018

Fresh and direct, with cassis and bitter plum fruit stitched together with chalky minerality while subtle dried lavender, tobacco and alder notes emerge through the finish. There's some depth in reserve here too, so cellar for maximum effect. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036. 10,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

The estate truly hits its stride in 2018, with a wine reflecting ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry aromas. With the high alcohol of earlier vintages, this wine fully succeeds in balancing freshness and nuance—compared to the similarly solar 2015 vintage, for example. With even less new wood (and less extraction) than in 2017—only 30% new oak—the freshness and bright fruit balance the vintage’s opulence (as if it had a dollop of Port), leading to a long finish. Ideal on its own or with a gourmet meal. Bravo!

Very beautiful purity of fruit on the nose with currant, cherry, blackberry and dried lavender. Full-bodied, yet balanced and refined with beautiful, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. I am impressed with the intensity and balance to this wine. Best ever? Try after 2026.

An elegant, soft, fresh and sweet, medium-bodied, silky charmer focused on red berries, showing much better in bottle than it did in barrel. You can enjoy it on the young side.

Dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening at the rim. Smoky fine oak spice, cranberry, cherry compote, some vanilla and nougat, opens further with aeration. Juicy, elegant, ripe plum, nougat, round tannins, good length, has maturity and definite ageing potential.

Inky dark purple colour. Opulent nose displaying new oak, toast and spice with ripe dark berries, crème de cassis, fine tobacco and pepper. Ample palate, still youthful with grippy tannin, a fresh acidity with layers of smoky dark fruit, plenty of spice and a long lingering finish. An ambitious effort still needing time to soften.

Lots of smoky cherry and currant fruits and meaty, spicy, cedary notes emerge from the 2018 Château De Ferrand, which comes from a beautiful, cooler terroir on the eastern side of the appellation. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured on the palate, it has ripe, seamless tannins, wonderful purity of fruit, and outstanding length. This outstanding wine will develop additional complexity with 2-4 years in the cellar and will drink brilliantly over the following 15+ years.

Silky, fruity bouquet with blackberries, cherries, mint and herbs. Silky, full palate with sweet fruit, fine tannins, broad structure, powerful aromatics and a long finish. 17/20 2024 - 2038

The greatest ferrand in history, with an unprecedented depth of tannin, all delivered in a deliciously velvety freshness.

A dark, sumptuous bouquet of Indian summer fruits, centered on very ripe black cherry, evoking velvet cushions in a boudoir. The palate is likewise velvety, with gentle fruit and lovely richness. A wine with sparkling energy despite its power.

Dark, intense colour. Lovely nose with ripe fruit. Soft on entry, juicy mid-palate, flavoursome, the wine flows through to the finish with present but well-wrapped tannins. Good length. Blend: 73% Merlot, 27% Cabernet Franc.