2017 Ferriere (Margaux)

The 2017 Ferrière has a deep garnet color. Surprisingly, the bouquet is driven by the oak at the moment, a trait that I rarely find with respect to this Margaux during en primeur, though the weather may have accentuated that at the time of my tasting. The palate is medium-bodied with densely packed black fruit laced with cedar and graphite. It is a solid Margaux, perhaps just missing the finesse of the 2016 and it needs to muster just a little more refinement once this is in bottle. If it does then you should have a fine Margaux on your hands. 89-91 points

This is fairly austere on the attack, really pulled in, but then it opens with time in the glass. Excellent dark spicy cassis notes lead into an elegant and juicy palate. I can see a real comparison to 2014 - a very good wine with lots to enjoy, real vivacity and persistency. It`s aged in concrete vats (lying on their side). 40% new oak. Certified organic since the 2015 vintage and undergoing biodynamic conversion. 91 points

Dark with black core. Inviting, pure-fruited aroma, without unwanted sweetness or intrusive oak. A little smoky/dusty in a good way. Dark and dusty on the palate too, lots of mineral character but no lack of fruit. Well-managed fine tannins to match the overall shape of the wine. Fresh and in balance. 16.5 points