The red blend of Château Ferrande, a fine expression of an excellent Graves terroir, relies heavily on the two main grape varieties of the appellation. A 50/50 blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine's fresh fruit aromas are beautifully supported by an elegant tannin structure. Vintage after vintage, the winemaking team remains true to what has become a winning formula, aiming to preserve the smooth, sensual classicism associated with Bordeaux's finest wines. On the nose, intense aromas of ripe fruit (especially cherries) are accompanied by nutty notes and hints of cocoa and licorice. The boldness of the nose is confirmed in the mouth, with a smooth attack that gives way to an uninhibited fruity, full-bodied mid-palate. Minty notes in the aftertaste reveal all the elegance of a distinguished burgundy. Château Ferrande red combines equally subtly with rustic, hearty dishes and more complex dishes, revealing their depth. Its aromatic boldness and firm tannin structure ensure it stands up to homemade terrines, pork belly and grilled beef. Its surprising freshness and versatility bring out the more subtle flavors of dishes such as veal carpaccio or forest mushroom risotto. 90-91 pts, James Suckling 2018 vintage 91 pts, Decanter, 2018 vintage 91 – 92 pts, Yves Beck, 2018 vintage