At a glance

Producer

Château Ferrière

Region

AOC Margaux, Margaux, Bordeaux, France

Grape variety

Cabernet Sauvignon dominant blend

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Smooth

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

Very high, typically $15,000 - $30,000 per bottle depending on provenance and condition

Tasting profile

Complex aromas of underbrush, tobacco, dried fruit, forest floor, leather, truffle, and cedar wood; palate is silky with soft tannins and integrated acidity

Evolution: From youthful fruit and dense tannins decades ago to fully tertiary nuanced and elegant complexity

At peak: Today’s profile reflects full maturity and complexity; peak freshness is past but highly prized by collectors for tertiary character

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to medium acidity, supporting freshness despite age

Tannins

Softened but still present; refined and integrated

Alcohol

Moderate (approx. 12-13%) consistent with 1945 vintage Bordeaux

Aging potential

Extremely extended; a 1945 vintage considered legendary, but most bottles are drinking or past peak now

Drinking window

Peak drinking

1990 to 2005

Optimal window

1980 to 2010

Current status

Fully mature, potentially in the final phase of drinking window or slightly past peak

Current condition

Highly dependent on provenance and storage; may show tertiary notes, some fading tannins, and evolved complexity

This legendary 1945 vintage from Château Ferrière reached its drinking peak from 1990 to mid-2000s due to outstanding vintage conditions and winery quality. At over 75 years old, few bottles remain in excellent condition; those that do offer rare tasting experiences of fully evolved, complex Bordeaux.

Food pairing

Game birds (duck, quail), roasted lamb, mushroom dishes, aged cheeses, truffle-infused cuisine

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-60 minutes) — To allow the wine to breathe and separate sediment gently before serving

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 8/10

Adopts biodynamic farming methods with emphasis on soil health, biodiversity, and minimal interventions; energy efficient practices and water conservation measures in place

Though the 1945 vintage predates organic and biodynamic certification, Château Ferrière today operates with strong sustainability principles including organic and biodynamic farming, energy and water conservation, and minimized packaging footprint. These practices align with modern sustainability goals maintaining environmental integrity of Margaux terroir.