2016 de Ferrand

Mid crimson. Attractively perfumed and well-integrated nose. Sweet start but it lacks a bit of ballast to knit the elements together on the palate. Scrawny tannins. Rasping finish. (JR)

Pretty red fruits, flowers, bay leaf, and spring forest floor notes all emerge from the medium-bodied 2016 Château de Ferrand, which displays beautiful purity of fruit and silky, integrated tannins. I love its complexity, and it certainly leans towards the finessed, elegant end of the spectrum, but it still has good depth of fruit.

This has very attractive aromas of bright red fruit with a neat array of wild herbs and flowers, too. The palate has a succulent, juicy and fresh feel with stony tannins, delivering length and richness with impressive focus. Great wine. A blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon. Try from 2022.