If it were not for the 1996, the 1995 would be the best Ferriere I have ever tasted. The wine exhibits an impressively saturated ruby/purple color, and an attractive nose of sweet toasty oak, licorice, and jammy black fruits. In the mouth, the attack begins well, with good ripeness, purity, and fruit, but it narrows out with an uninspiring mid-palate, and gobs of tannin in an astringent, tough-textured finish. The tannin should become better integrated with another 4-5 years of bottle age. This is a well-made Ferriere, with a firm, angular personality, and plenty of aging potential. How good it is to see this chateau finally get back on its feet after a prolonged period of mediocrity. Anticipated maturity: 2004-2015.

What? Who? This is rich and powerful with masses of fruit, character and tannins. One of the sleepers of the vintage. Long, long finish. Best after 2002. 4,100 cases made. -JS