2018 Chateau De Ferrand 3000ml

96 POINTS

James Suckling

There’s a lot to like here in 2018. Braval has made a very composed, innately balanced and beautifully drinkable Châteauneuf. The nose has attractive red and purple flowers and wild berries that run from red to black and a gently smoky, flinty edge. The palate has a sleek, supple feel, delivered so purely. The terroir has balance and finesse at Ferrand and Braval delivers it faithfully. This is a beautiful thing to taste and will be fine on release, though it will also age very well. Points: 96-97

95 POINTS

James Suckling

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.

94 POINTS

Wine Spectator

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.

94 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Deep crimson-garnet, purple glints, lighter broad ochre hue at the rim. Blackcurrant, a hint of mint, rosemary and orange zest. Juicy, elegant, fine ripe plums and cherries, richly rendered finesse structure, delicate nougat, mineral and persistent. Possesses ageing potential.

93 POINTS

Wine Spectator

The dark currant and boysenberry fruit is distinctive, with nice rippling energy underneath. Anise, sweet tobacco and apple wood accents are starting to form on the finish. There's a lot here. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Score range: 92-95

93 POINTS

Peter Moser - Falstaff

Dark ruby, purple reflections, discreet brightening at the rim. Smoky fine oak spice, cranberry, cherry compote, some vanilla and nougat, opens further with aeration. Juicy, elegant, ripe plum, nougat, round tannins, good length, has maturity and definite ageing potential.

93 POINTS

Matt Walls - Decanter

Floral, pretty and pure, both on the nose and the palate. This is ripe, flowing, generous and well balanced with a lovely silky texture on the palate. There's a lot to like about this wine, it's harmonious and considerably more charming than most of the 2018s. An old family domaine of 7.5ha. Matured in stainless steel and concrete only.

93 POINTS

Josh Raynolds - Vinous

Brilliant ruby. Ripe red and blue fruits, candied flowers and garrigue on the highly expressive, spice-accented nose. Appealingly sweet and fleshy on the palate, offering juicy Chambord, boysenberry and spicecake flavors that firm up slowly through the back half. Finishes with strong, gently tannic persistence, leaving sappy red fruit and succulent herb notes behind.