Ferrière 2019

Striking aromas of sweet wild berries, violets, dark chocolate and loamy soil introduce the 2019 Ferrière, a full-bodied, velvety and concentrated wine that’s seamless and complete, with a rich, dramatic core of fruit, lively acids and a long, resonant finish. From biodynamic-farmed clay-rich gravels, this 18-hectare estate (formerly leased to Château Lascombes) possesses an usually high proportion of old vines, with fully one-third of their vineyards over 70 years of age. Drink Date 2027 - 2060

The 2019 Ferrière was tasted from a bottle sent by Clare Lurton following our conversation via Zoom. This Margaux has a really lovely bouquet of black plum and hints of blue fruit and crushed violet, then later orange zest. The palate is rounded and smooth. While not as deep or as grippy as others, this is endearingly harmonious and sensual, with a pure, caressing finish. I like the detail here, something I never used to find in Ferrière when I was tasting it 15 or 20 years ago. A delightful 2019 that might be deceptively long-lived. Drink 2025-2050.

Blackberries, blackcurrants, violets, bitter chocolate, clay and gravel on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, very fine and integrated tannins. Beautiful texture. Structured, yet with a soft, supple feel. Subtle. 20% in concrete eggs. 70% cabernet sauvignon, 25% merlot and 5% petit verdot. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Try in 2025.

Rich depths to the colour, and the gunsmoke reduction that I am finding across the range, opens up to show character and concentration. Has momentum and precision, eucalyptus and white pepper spice, fresh acidities. Showed successfully En Primeur and the depth of fruit is still there. 40% new oak, 20% amphora, rest one year old barrels. The Petit Verdot in the blend is over 70 years old. 30hl/h yield.