Château Branas Grand Poujeaux 2016

Big and bold; layered fruit and spice plus dark fruit aromatics. Full, rich and round palate, but fresh. Plenty of tannic drive. Certainly some ageing potential.

The black-cherry and blackcurrant aromas are enticing. Medium body, firm and silky tannins, and a clean, fresh finish. Shows intensity and precise acidity. Drink after 2020.

50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot. Candied fruit, overt oak spices, rather grainy tannins, high acidity and long persistence, with that ripe, confected fruit character dominating the finish. Quite warm alcohol too. (RH)

The 2016 Branas Grand Poujeaux is plump, juicy and forward. Expressive floral, red plum and spice notes, along with silky tannins, give this plush Moulis quite a bit of near-term appeal.

Smoke, earth, tobacco, cedar, cherry and floral characteristics are strong here. On the palate, the wine displays ripe, juicy red fruits, soft, crisp tannins, and ripe red plum and cherry on the finish.

Deep purple with violet rim. Complex, blueberry-driven bouquet with plenty of floral notes, followed by fragrant cassis and elderberry jelly. Creamy palate with finely woven tannins; on the back palate another full hit of cassis, and a long finish with impressive drive, ending on ripe blackberries. On top form, as in recent years.

Kunz barrel sample 17: (50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot) Elegant, delicately off‑dry bouquet, black cherries, blackberries, plums, fine woods, currants. Balanced, tightly knit, elegant palate with fine, sweet fruit, good tannins, powerful aromatics, dense structure, and a long, fresh finish.

(50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot) Elegant, delicately herbaceous bouquet with black cherries, blackberries, plums, fine woods, currants. Balanced, tightly knit, elegant palate with delicate sweet fruit, good tannins, powerful aromatics, dense structure, long, fresh finish. 18/20 2024 - 2040

A blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Branas Grand Poujeaux is deep garnet in color. It flows effortlessly out of the glass with flamboyant scents of blueberry preserves, black cherry compote, and baked plums, plus hints of charcoal, violets, and Indian spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is tightly wound with the black fruits, supported by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing long with a fruity lift.

A very harmonious second wine: a complex nose of very ripe red fruits, notes of cinnamon, suave flowers, a flattering palate with a tasty grain, fruit, and good length.

Branas 2016 is imposing, very full-bodied, with ripe, slightly candied fruit. It needs to channel all of that and come together. Patience.

Purple with violet highlights. The bouquet of Branas Grand Poujeaux is finely etched and complex. It reveals itself slowly, with its élevage showing subtly. Good harmony between fruit, oak, and spices. Juicy, appetizing attack. On the palate, this Moulis has character and is compact. Good harmony between perfectly integrated tannins and the structure. Fruity, persistent finish. A fine success, all in finesse.

Dark, intense, and beautiful color. Fruity nose with ripe character. Medium intensity. Pleasant on the attack, developing into very fruity, flavorful notes with good taste and wrapped tannins. Medium length.

The sector of Poujeaux is one of the most prestigious in Moulis. This wine, from a 29-acre estate, is rich in tannins and dense in opulent black fruit. It is a powerful statement, tempered by acidity that gives a final lift. Drink from 2023.