2018 Chateau de Ferrand (750ml)

Merlot from Saint-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

B-21 Top Recommendation
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"Supple and forward on the palate, with terrific fruit... It might be the finest vintage I've tasted from this estate."
–Jeb Dunnuck

A Merlot-dominated Right Bank Bordeaux with impeccable balance and finesse, the outstanding 95pt 2018 Chateau de Ferrand Saint-Emilion boasts fresh energetic fruit and crushed stone minerality, described as "one to savor" by Bordeaux expert Jane Anson and ready for the cellar at specially negotiated pricing, an unparalleled value delivered ex-Chateau in original wooden cases of six.

Located a few kilometers away from Saint-Emilion, the magnificent Chateau de Ferrand is one of the oldest in the appellation, built in the 17th century overlooking the spectacular Dordogne valley with elegant architecture designed as a tribute to King Louis XV, an homage to his restoration of the Palace of Versailles. Owned by only two families throughout its history, it was acquired by Italian born entrepreneur Baron Bick in 1977, the cofounder of Bic, the world's leading producer of ballpoint pens, and is now run by his daughter Pauline and her husband, Philippe Chandon-Moet who have continued to upgrade the estate. Sourced from a single 32-hectare block, the organically farmed vines for the Grand Vin average 25-30 years of age and are planted at the end of the Saint-Emilion plateau in a mix of limestone and clay, on a slope that rises to nearly 100 meters. Crafted under the direction of Decanter's Rising Star consulting winemaker Axel Marchal (whose many clients include Haut-Bailly and D'Yquem), the blend of mostly Merlot with Cabernet Franc was vinified parcel by parcel in cement vats, then aged in 30% new French oak barrels before bottling, yielding ripe luscious aromas with remarkably fresh fruit and refined tannins poised to age for over another decade, from a "vintage of superlatives" according to James Suckling.

95JS

94WS

93JD

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.

95 points, James Suckling (Mar 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.

94 points, James Molesworth, Wine Spectator (Mar 2021)

Lots of smoky cherry and currant fruits and meaty, spicy, cedary notes emerge from the 2018 Château De Ferrand, which comes from a beautiful, cooler terroir on the eastern side of the appellation. Medium to full-bodied and beautifully textured on the palate, it has ripe, seamless tannins, wonderful purity of fruit, and outstanding length. This outstanding wine will develop additional complexity with 2-4 years in the cellar and will drink brilliantly over the following 15+ years.

93 points, Jeb Dunnuck (Mar 2021)

Alcohol By Volume: 14.5%

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$44.99

60+ bottles in stock. Ships in 1 to 2 business days.

This item is available in original wood case. Would you like to include the wood case in your order? There is an additional $12.00 shipping fee for wood cases.

Available in Original Wood Case of 6

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