2012 de Ferrand

Consulting winemaker Hubert de Boüard has turned out a gorgeous Saint-Emilion at de Ferrand. The 2012 is supple, juicy and forward, with striking depth and terrific overall balance. Although not especially complicated, the 2012 will deliver considerable pleasure over the next decade or so, while the red cherry and plum fruit remains juicy and vibrant.

A sleeper of the vintage, this deep ruby/purple-hued 2012 possesses lots of sweet black cherry/kirsch liqueur, lead pencil shavings, spring flowers and crushed rock-like characteristics. Dense and medium to full-bodied with soft tannins, it can be drunk over the next 10-12 years. After years of unimpressive performances, this property has come under the consulting umbrella of Hubert de Bouard and – voila – we have a 2012 that takes us back to Ferrand’s glory years of the early to mid-eighties. It is owned by members of the Chandon family (who also owns the “little” champagne house of Moet-Chandon) as well as the family of Baron Biche, of the famous Bic ballpoint pen empire. The final blend was 85% Merlot, 10% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Sauvignon from a vineyard high on the plateau adjacent to Chateau Troplong-Mondot.