Château Potensac 2023

Dark aromatics, violet, blackcurrant. Clean and clear, crystalline and pure, not very fleshy, relatively lean, but actually more crisp than harsh. Good structure, needs to fill out a little and is missing some sweetness, but the menthol and herbal accents are lovely. Chalky, powdery tannins fill the mouth. Nice length and lift on the finish. 3.62 pH.

The 2023 Potensac is every bit as compelling as it was en primeur. Dark cherry, blackberry, gravel, incense, licorice, graphite and dried herbs are amplified in the glass. This Cabernet-driven Haut-Médoc has a ton to offer, starting with its notable freshness and savory drive.

With a flowery edge to the perfume, you also find notes of black cherries, tobacco, and spices. The palate is vibrant, with layers of sweet, ripe, juicy cherries, black currants, chocolate, and savory herbs. The wine was produced from blending 48% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 17% Cabernet Franc. 13.4% ABV. Drink from 2028-2045.

Delicate bouquet, blackcurrant, hint of lilac and light tobacco. On the compact palate, a soft texture, a supportive tannic framework and a well-structured body. In the concentrated finish, black berries, black pepper and a grainy astringency.

Concentrated and intense, with fragrant spicy notes of green peppercorn, licorice root, smoked earth, freshly cut herbs and black tea. Plenty of lift, a little serious and austere, but this is a well-balanced and enjoyable wine. Harvest September 18 to 29, 20% new oak for ageing. No second wine of Potensac since 2021, as they pulled out more than 20ha of vines to retain only the highest-quality parts of the vineyard.

Historically high at 48%, the share of Cabernet Sauvignon plays a crucial role in this blend. It brings freshness and character to complement such a charming Merlot! Carried by powerful, perfectly integrated tannins, the wine stands out for its harmony, for this fusion of velvety texture and tension, and for a tannic structure that reaches the peak of its vigor on the finish, providing a solid backbone and, ultimately, great aging potential!

Restrained nose, dark fruit, stony, cool in expression, a touch of dark chocolate; taut palate, concentrated, prominent fine-grained tannins, crisp fruit, a wine with drive and breed, densely built yet very elegant. A lot of wine for the money, can age.

Juicy and engaging, with red and black cherry compote notes scored with savory, chalky minerality and chestnut leaf on the finish. Shows character. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Drink now through 2035.

Deep, intense, vibrant red color. Highly aromatic, refined nose. Pure notes of ripe fruit and cherry. Caressing on the attack and precise on the palate, the wine unfolds from mid-palate through to the finish, long and flavorful.

The 2023 Potensac offers up notes of minty cassis, sweet red berries and pencil shavings, followed by a medium- to full-bodied, taut and layered palate framed by chalky tannins. This classic Médoc will require a bit of patience.

A fruity, fresh wine, with black currant flavors, this has gentle tannins, full of spice and acidity. The wine, from an estate owned by Léoville las Cases, is richly textured and ready to drink from 2029.