Château Ferrière 2023

As so often, floral and finely scented, it shows depth, mineral undertones, red and dark berries; a taut palate with drive and precision, velvety tannins, breed and spice, red-fruited on the finish. Once again, very successful.

Nice pretty fragrance on the nose, roses and violet with raspberries and scented red cherries. Lively and bright, almost searing, quite tart and high toned. Nice chalky tannins give depth and some weight; it’s not too tense or too lean, just the fruit is on the bright side. Straight and streamlined, maybe missing some extra Margaux plumpness and charm, but this is light and approachable. A touch austere but follows the vintage in this way. Long mineral-edged finish with liquorice, dark chocolate, bitter toast and some cedar. Good energy. 0.5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 40 hl/ha yield. 3.79 pH.

The 2023 Ferrière deftly marries elegance and power. Strong savory and floral inflections convey brightness right out of the gate. Dark blue-toned fruit, lavender, mint, spice and rose petal lend raciness. This vibrant Margaux is all class. I especially admire its energy. The 2023 spent 18 months in a combination of French oak, concrete tank and amphora.

Deep dark ruby, opaque core, purple reflections, delicate edge brightening. A hint of clove, black cherry, delicate hints of cranberry, a hint of orange zest. Taut, tightly woven, red-berry texture, ripe, firm tannins, a fine touch of cassis on the finish, mineral aftertaste.

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Merlot, 3.5% Petit Verdot, 0.5% Cabernet Franc, pH 3.7, 13.2% vol., 40 hl/ha. Dense, finely aromatic bouquet, beguiling iris perfume, white pepper and noble red cassis spice. On the juicy palate with a creamy texture, tightly knit tannic structure and a straight, linear body. In the concentrated, long finish, blue berries, graphite and fine-grained astringency.

This is one of the best Ferrieres for years, with waves of blackberry, cassis, fennel, anise, liquorice root, all sweet, pure and intense, with velvety tannins. Great stuff. Yield 40 hl/ha, pH 3.79, harvest September 13 to October 2, highest yields for 12 years, 40% new oak for ageing overall, along with concrete eggs and a touch of amphoras.

The nose is fruity, precise, and offers a certain intensity and power. It reveals notes of violet, blackberry, and almost roasted-juicy wild strawberry and, more subtly, violet again, with hints of infusion and fine touches of dense small fruits. The palate is fruity and offers freshness, minerality, good definition, juiciness, precision, a tangy backbone, and tension. It shows notes of juicy/fleshy blackberry and violet and, more subtly, pulpy/bright blackcurrant, along with touches of roasted-juicy red berries and hints of cornflower, cardamom, and sweet blond tobacco. Good length. The tannins are supple, sapid, and gourmand. A stretched profile. A certain quiet strength.

93-95. Barrel Sample. Black fruit and smoky aromas are present with ripe tannins and intense juiciness. It is structured, showing richness and potential. Old vines and dense planting in the vineyard add great concentration to the wine. Organic and biodynamic.