2022 Ferriere

The 2022 Ferrière, from a vineyard that contains plenty of old vines according to proprietor Claire Villars-Lurton, was cropped at 24 hl/ha. This has a complex, nuanced bouquet that opens beautifully in the glass, with red plum, blackberry fruit and light flinty scents coming through with time. The palate is very well balanced and briny with a fine bead of acidity, a strong marine influence and gentle grip on the black olive-tinged finish. This is excellent.

This has a powerful edge, giving a distinctive character of the 2022 vintage. Delivers expansion through the mid palate, saline-streaked on the finish, an impressive vintage of Ferrière. 35% new oak for 18 months.

Another delicious, up-front, textured Margaux in the vintage, the 2022 Château Ferrière boasts a deep purple hue as well as red, blue, and black fruits, some leather, smoked meat, and leafy herb nuances, medium to full body, and just a charming, round, mouth-filling style that's going to drink well right out of the gate. I tasted this during my trip to Bordeaux and rated it 89-91, but a sample shipped to me later showed considerably better (either that or I clearly mis-rated it in April), and I've updated the rating accordingly.