2023 de Ferrand
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Tasting notes
A blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc aged in 65% one-year-old barrels with the balance in tanks, the 2023 Château De Ferrand comes from an estate that's fashioning brilliant wines today and certainly merits more attention in the market. Its deep ruby hue is followed by a perfumed nose of red and black fruits that show more leafy herbs, graphite, crushed stone, and spice with time in the glass. It plays in the more medium-bodied style of the vintage yet is nicely balanced, has polished tannins, integrated acidity, and a great finish. Give this outstanding Saint-Emilion 2-4 years and enjoy over the following 15+. Drink 2028-2043.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Neal Martin, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 2023 Château De Ferrand checks in as 65% Merlot and 35% Cabernet Franc, resting in 35% new French oak. Deep purple-hued, it offers an impressive nose of ripe black and blue fruits interwoven with subtle notes of iron, tobacco, tapenade, and spicy wood, with just a kiss of background floral and violet nuances. Beautifully balanced, medium to full-bodied, and concentrated, yet still elegant and balanced, with notable tannic grip, it's going to benefit from just a few years of bottle age. It's another outstanding 2023 in the making.
It is easy to find the chocolate-topped, crisp black cherries, flowers, licorice, espresso, and spice in the nose. On the palate, the wine is forward, supple, and vibrant. There is lift, and energy in the mouth, with touches of salty citrus, sweet, plums, cherries, and chocolate from the medium-bodied, mid-palate, through to the energetic, bright, red berry finish. The wine blends 65% Merlot, with 35% Cabernet Franc. 14.5% ABV.
Attractive depth of fruit with blackberry and black olive, as well as crushed stone. Full-bodied with chewy and polished tannins that are velvety but muscular. 3.52 pH gives it verve. Saltiness comes from the cabernet franc planted on limestone soils. 65% merlot and 35% cabernet franc.