(Margaux; 70% Cabernet Sauvignon; 18% Petit Verdot; 10% Merlot; 2% Cabernet Franc; a final yield of 16 hl/ha, with significant mildew losses; pH 3.80; 12.2% alcohol; certified organic and biodynamic; Eric Boissenot is the consultant; tasted with Claire & Gonzague Lurton). Brighter, fresher, more lifted, more precise and more aerial than La Gurgue, but with the same sense of softness and creaminess – rare in the vintage – somehow evident even from the aromatic profile. A lovely very pure blackcurrant fruit, again with that signature Ferrière wild herbal and floral component that reinforces the impression of something natural (this is, of course, organic and biodynamic). There’s a touch of graphite and cedar too and, with aeration, a little damson. Sumptuously refined and both soft and delicate on the attack. But then the laser-sharp pure fruit cuts through the heart of the mid-palate. Very lively and energetic and very vivid in its fruit purity, this is great success (despite the small yields) in the vintage.

The 2024 Ferrière was cropped at just 16 hl/ha between September 17 and October 7. This was raised in 40% new oak and 20% in ovoid amphorae. Proprietor Clare Lurton-Villars told me that this year, there is more Petit Verdot, which makes up 18% of the blend. I find this much more successful than its stablemate La Gurgue on the nose with blueberry and blackberry aromas. It's quite floral in style, with touches of violet coming through with time in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grip on the entry. This is a gutsy Ferrière, which I mean in a good way, with a deft pepperiness on the finish. It is worth seeking out.

Juicy fruit integrity, deep spicy notes, just-ripe fruit with plenty of accompanying fragrance and charm, but the acidity of the vintage puts a little more emphasis on the tannins than ideal. 3.8 pH. Harvest 17 September to 8 October. 40% new oak. 16 hl/ha yield.

Flowers, red currants, and cherries already pop in the nose. On the palate, the wine is zesty and crisp, with a blast of peppery cranberries and bright, crunchy red plums that remain with you from start to finish. The wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. 12.2% ABV. The yields were quite low at 16 hectoliters per hectare. Drink from 2028-2040.

More elegant and open than its sibling La Gurgue, the 2024 Ferrière reveals aromas of violet, dark berries, fresh licorice and spices, followed by a moderately weighted, sappy and ample wine with firm tannins and a strict, somewhat austere finish. It should gain depth and elegance with the élevage. This blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot (the highest percentage in the estate's history) and 10% Merlot will mature in 40% new oak, 40% one-year-old barrels and 20% amphorae.

70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petit Verdot, 10% Merlot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 16 hl/ha. Certified organic and biodynamic (Demeter) Cask sample. A hefty dollop of Petit Verdot this year. Juicy and digeste with floral and blackcurrant notes. Lighter weight and frame than usual but there’s structure. Firm if slightly chewy finish. (JL)