CHÂTEAU DE FERRAND St.-Emilion 2018 $45 (94 points)

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. Best from 2023 through 2036.