2017 Ferran
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Ferran contains a lot of Petit Verdot this year because of the frost—nearly 40%—when it usually usually only has about 8%. Deep garnet-purple in color, it opens with lovely black raspberries, kirsch and wild blueberry scents plus wafts of rosehip tea and pencil shavings. Medium-bodied, elegant, fresh and perfumed, it has a firm, sturdy frame, finishing on a compelling fragrant-earth note. This is very different, but very good!
Critic scores
Average Score
The Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2017 Ferran has an attractive bouquet with slightly earthy red berry fruit mixed with rose petals and light orange peel scents. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, well judged acidity and a simple but clean, pliant cedary finish. Drink over the next 6-8 years.
The 2017 Ferran was frost damaged and production reduced from around 6,000 cases to around 1,500. It is a blend of 50% Merlot, 35% Petit Verdot and 15% Cabernet Sauvignon picked from 25 September. It has quite a generous bouquet of black cherries, marmalade and light sous-bois notes that become more palpable with aeration. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, just a gentle smear of mocha and a savory, lightly spiced, mocha-tinged finish that just cuts away a little swiftly.
Very dark, seems a little raisined or oxidised? Better on the palate, but still a little like bruised plums. Plenty of freshness and fine tannins but something a little bit volatile. I'd rather not score this in case it is the sample. (JH)