2019 Chateau Ferriere Grand Cru Classe Margaux Bordeaux 750 ml

As the smallest Grand Cru Classé estate in the Médoc, Château Ferrière may not be accustomed to being the center of attention—but as of 2019, they should get used to it.

James Suckling showered the 2019 Château Ferrière with 96-point praise, while Vinous’ Antonio Galloni called it “fabulous,” with “so much to offer.” Even the estate’s owner, Claire Villars-Lurton, called it “a milestone” and “my best Château Ferrière.”

Such quality isn’t just the result of a benevolent vintage, but of conscious decisions she’s made to lift this Margaux estate to the top of its game. Decanter noticed, alluding to “a real step change in Ferrière this year, with a greater density of fruit and a richer seam of freshness.” She was also the force behind the estate’s move to biodynamics, earning it the gold-standard Demeter certification.

After a cool and rainy spring, the summer of 2019 kicked off with high temperatures that lasted throughout the season, including several heat spikes that brought a risk of drought. However, a burst of rain at the end of July, followed by colder-than-usual nights in August, helped keep the ripening process on track and allowed the grapes to preserve their natural acidity. 

Cabernet makes up the majority of the blend, complemented by a solid portion of Merlot and a few splashes of Petit Verdot. After fermenting in a combination of oak and concrete vessels, aging took place in 40% new oak for 18 months. 

This Grand Cru Classé Margaux is a mighty, bold, lush claret of inarguable greatness, born of a stellar vintage and biodynamically farmed grapes. It’s a rare treat: a stunning, insider’s Bordeaux from a house whose star is on the rise.