Ferrière 2005

Aromas of currants and spices, with hints of earth. Full-bodied, with velvety tannins and a medium finish. Very good, but clearly not 2000.

Mid crimson with some paleness at the rim. Rather burnt notes on the nose - odd. Some strange oak? A slightly rank note. Sweet and round and a bit formless. Wild and very aggressive acidity and extraction. Uncomfortable to taste - an awkward package. Rather a hole in the middle where the fruit should be. Drink 2012-20

Bright ruby-red. Medicinal black cherry and licorice on the nose; this smells serious. Densely packed and firmly built, with juicy acidity and notes of licorice and herbs contributing to the wine's medicinal quality. Seems a bit heavily extracted and rather tannic, but there's good material here. I'd hold this for seven or eight years.

Fine concentration, nicely balanced cassis fruit, good tannins, but a bit short. Drink 2009-16.

Finely scented - haute couture! Beautifully crisp, keen and alluring. Flowing almost endlessly, with a delectably fine structure. Drink from 2012. Awarded 5 stars.