Château de Ferrand 2017

Medium to deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 de Ferrand gives up notes of black raspberries, red currant jelly and Morello cherries with touches of wild sage, pencil lead and garrigue. The medium-bodied palate is packed with juicy red fruit and herbal accents, framed by grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing with a pleasant suggestion of chewiness.

Ripe and focused, with a core of steeped plum and blackberry fruit that shows depth and drive thanks to a buried graphite edge and a sleek alder and tobacco streak along the sides. Mouthwatering finish. Very solid. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2035. 583 cases made.

Forest strawberry and autumnal fruit aromas are purer than in the comparable 2014 vintage, with a cleaner and crisper palate in this transitional vintage. The team not only reduced new oak for ageing from 60% to 40%, but also the ageing itself from 16 to 12 months, resulting in a fresher – and not drying – finish as compared to prior vintages. Indeed, friends who joined me on a trip to the estate last year purchased six-bottle cases of the 2017 vintage, which also costs less than the 2016. Over a two-day period, the wine develops wonderfully, with spring floral aromas reflecting a smooth, medium finish. Although it will not cellar as long as fuller-bodied wines like the 2018 or 2020, this wine punches above the vintage rating.

The 2017 de Ferrand has a gorgeous, very pure redcurrant, wild strawberry and rose petal-scented bouquet that is seamlessly enmeshed with the oak. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins matched by a fine thread of acidity. Pliant on the palate without shortchanging you on density or flavor on the vibrant finish. Superb. This comes highly recommended.

Medium bodied, soft red fruits and thyme are there from start to finish. This will be easy to drink on release.

Dark ruby, with purple reflections and a subtle bright rim. On the nose, ripe cherry fruit with an underlay of fine nuances of cloves and some candied orange zest. Juicy, elegant, with fresh acidity, fine mature tannins, a mineral-saline finish; it is persistent, shows a delicate nougat note on the finish, and has promising ageing potential.

Dark inky core with a purple hue. Fragrant nose offering sweet fruit, praline, cassis, wild berries, fine oak and tobacco. Good density and weight on the palate with a finely tuned, grainy texture, fine tannin quality with a good dose of fresh acidity underneath, digest dark fruit flavours with mild spiciness, settled oak and a long, layered finish. Both density, power and elegance here!

Brought up in 40% new barrels and a blend of 81% Merlot and 19% Cabernet Franc, the 2017 Chateau De Ferrand sports a vivid ruby/purple color as well as a complex array of red currants, incense, dried herbs, sandalwood, and graphite. Medium to full-bodied, it has subtle background oak, rocking depth of fruit, and a rounded, nicely concentrated, balanced style that's going to evolve for 10-15 years.

Kunz barrel sample 18: (81% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc) Sleek, red-berried bouquet with red cherries, redcurrants, wood. A firm, light palate with sweet fruit, finely sandy tannins, a bony structure, restrained aromatics, and a drying finish.

(81% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Franc) Sleek, red-berried bouquet with red cherries, currants, and wood. A taut, light palate with sweet fruit, fine sandy tannins, a bony structure, light aromatics, and a drying finish. 16/20 2023 - 2030

Slightly austere on the nose, yet the palate becomes more expressive with an elegant glide.

Juicy, indulgent, broad, tangy, peppery, with friendly tannins and a lovely length.

Elegant, inviting bouquet, marked by maturation notes such as caramel and vanilla, but also by red berries like raspberries and a hint of strawberries. On the palate, the wine is fresh, racy and juicy. Pleasant freshness right through to the finish. A characterful wine with juicy tannins. Best enjoyed in its youth.

Dark, intense color for the vintage. Moderately aromatic nose with ripe, truffled fruit. Round, fruity, flavorful palate, a little discreet after mid-palate. Medium body and length. Blend: 86% merlot, 7% cabernet franc, 7% cabernet sauvignon.

92–94. Barrel Sample. This is ripe, full-bodied and concentrated. Dusty tannins, bold black fruits and a rich structure give it both power and long-term potential. Drink this spicy wine from 2023.