There feels to be a real step change in Ferrière this year, with a greater density of fruit and a richer seam of freshness. They have made a few changes in the vineyard, most notably pulling up Merlot that they felt wasn`t working and leaving only the oldest Merlots that date back to the 1950s. We may also be feeling the impact of the clay in the gravel soils that helped hold freshness in this hot summer, as well as a reductive style of working in the cellar, bringing SO2 additions down low. Whatever it is, there is violet edging to the colour, a deliciously sappy, energetic quality to the wine, with bright berry fruits, chocolate shavings and a gentle gunsmoke edge that brings interest and grace. 40% new oak, 20% amphoras and cement eggs, and the rest in one year barrels. 3% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.6ph. A relatively small yield of 30hl/ha. 94 points

The 2019 Ferrière is fabulous. Inky, dark and savory, the 2019 has so much to offer. Blackberry jam, gravel, smoke, dried herbs, menthol, licorice and spice infuse the 2019 with captivating layers of gravitas and overall intensity. Far from an easygoing 2019, Ferrière is going to need time to come together, as the tannins are quite imposing at present. Aging will be 18 months, 40% new oak, 40% once-used barrels and 20% amphora. 93-95 points