Château Ferrière 2025

Floral and fragrant with lots of purple flowers, really quite Margaux-esque on the nose. Feels really concentrated yet lightly presented. Juicy and supple with bounce and a lovely energy from the get-go. Juicy strawberries and red cherries with a lick of salt, iron and crushed stones. Great concentration and structure where the tannins give the grip but no heaviness. Great Cabernet aspect. So approachable. I love this very elegant, sophisticated approach. Supple, juicy, filling but balanced with such persistence. Lovely, fresh. Old vine Merlot. Harvest started 4 September. 3.80pH. 4% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. Ageing 14 months, 35% new, 35% one and two year old barrels and 30% in concrete tanks and amphoras.

A little higher Petit Verdot in the blend than usual, this is highly enjoyable, with precision and fleshly black fruits, noticeably bright with a defined frame. Harvest September 5 to 19. Yield 25 hl/ha. 35% new oak. 3.8 pH, Charles de Ravinio, new director at La Gurgue and Ferrière has done a great job with this first vintage working alongside owner Claire Villars-Lurton (I only learnt of his arrival after commenting on how good the wines were tasting).

Subtle, the bouquet of Ferrière reveals a range of nuances, including a hint of hops that appears from time to time. These are complemented by notes of raspberries and a refreshing touch of peppermint. Slightly smooth on the attack, the wine has velvety tannins that deliver subtle power and a refreshing structure. It has character and finesse and will already be approachable in its youth. A delightful wine!

Floral notes over dark fruit, dried herbs, lots of violets; the palate is clearly more powerful than in other years, yet the wine remains fresh and very elegant. The tannins are of high quality, supporting the rich fruit; tremendously juicy, with a fascinating acid arc and a long, saline finish. Even in this paradoxical year, a hit.