Château de Ferrand Saint-Emilion 2018

Decanter : 94 Points

(4/23/2024) The estate truly hits its stride in 2018, with a wine reflecting ripe plum, blackberry, and black cherry aromas. With the high alcohol of earlier vintages, this wine fully succeeds with balancing freshness and nuance – compared to the similarly solar 2015 vintage, for example. With even less new wood (and less extraction) than in 2017 – only 30% new oak – the freshness and bright fruit balance the vintage opulence (as if it had a dollop of Port) leading to a long finish. Ideal on its own or with a gourmet meal. Bravo! Drinking Window: 2024 - 2045.

Wine Spectator : 94 Points

(3/31/2021) Fresh and direct, with cassis and bitter plum fruit stitched together with chalky minerality while subtle dried lavender, tobacco and alder notes emerge through the finish. There's some depth in reserve here too, so cellar for maximum effect. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2023 through 2036. 10,000 cases made, 500 cases imported.

James Suckling : 95 Points

(1/21/2021) Very beautiful purity of fruit on the nose with currant, cherry, blackberry and dried lavender. Full-bodied, yet balanced and refined with beautiful, fine tannins and a fresh, vivid finish. I am impressed with the intensity and balance to this wine. Best ever? Try after 2026.