Ferriere 2021 (750ML)

94 VM / 92-93 JS / 92 DE / 90-92+ WA / 90 JA

The 2021 Ferrière is a very shy, reticent wine. It has good depth, but all its energy is presently directed inward. Blue fruit, gravel, spice, menthol, licorice and mocha open with a bit of coaxing, but the 2021 needs time. Cabernet Sauvignon is elevated in this year's blend, and it shows in the wine's flavor profile and overall feel. Yields were just 24 hectoliters-per-hectare. - Antonio Gallinio, Vinous Media

Vibrant and creamy with bright plum, lavender and wet-soil notes. Medium body. Layers of juicy, fleshy tannins spread across the palate. Lots of brightness. 81% cabernet sauvignon, 13% merlot, 5% petit verdot and 1% cabernet franc. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. - James Suckling

Dark blackcurrant, plum and soft perfume aspects on the nose. So juicy on the palate, really high acidity but it's sweet and softly high toned. The acidity is giving some sharpness to the fruit at this point but there is enough concentration and density to balance it while still giving the structure and overall freshness alongside nuances of dark chocolate, perfume and liquorice. Usually Ferrière has 25% Merlot, this year just 13%, so the 81% Cabernet Sauvignon is doing most of the talking, giving a lifted menthol feel, firm tannins and an effortlessly long finish. This has energy and verve, it's fruit forward and upfront. I love the signature here. 1% Cabernet Franc completes the blend. 62% grand vin, in 2020 it was 68%. 12.5% press wine. 18 months ageing, 40% new oak, 40% one year and 20% in amphora. A yield of 26hL/ha, better than 2020's 20hL/ha. - Georgia Hindle, Decanter

Incorporating fully 81% Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2021 Ferrière offers up notes of blackberries, licorice and loamy soil, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and rather layered, muscular palate built around powdery tannins and lively acids. Still primary and unevolved, this is a promising effort that should continue to improve with élevage. - William Kelley, Wine Advocate

This starts out well with clarity of fruit and plenty of character. A sense of hidden power as the tanning build up, but with extra concentration comes clear austerity, and it will benefit from softening and widening over ageing. 13% press wine. on Ferriere, harvest September 16 until October 4. Historically low yields, after frost and poor fruit set. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux