Château Poujeaux 2023

At 55%, this is also the highest share of Cabernet here to date; floral, expressive, clear fruit; densely built yet not heavy, juicy fruit carried by a well-judged tannic framework; pleasantly long, very precise this year. Can age.

Quite austere and lean, focused but refreshing with high acidity and fairly chalky, powdery tannins, yet a straight overall expression. The fruit is clean and pure – raspberry, blackcurrant and black cherry. It doesn’t really deviate from the core. It’s a soft, gentle expression with present but not imposing tannins that provide the structure and create a textured mouthfeel all the way through. Some liquorice and dark chocolate on the finish. Lovely classicism on offer with plenty of Cabernet character. Ageing: one-third new oak, the rest in one- and two-year barrels.

Black currants and flowers with licorice, and smoke pop, effortlessly in the glass. The palate is even better with its juicy, sweet, mouthful of black cherries, chocolate, and spice. There is a gorgeous sweetness to the fruits with good energy in the finish. The wine blends 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot, 12.5% ABV. Drink from 2027-2040.

Dark ruby, purple reflections. Dark nougat, some cassis, blackberries, ripe plums, inviting bouquet. Medium body, ripe cherries, integrated tannins, subtle fruit on the finish, a versatile food wine.

Always an estate that works hard and is often a good bet across a variety of vintage conditions. It delivers again in 2023, pretty austere right now, with layers of tannic architecture along with the signature mint leaf and cigar box. No question this will age; don’t rush it, it needs time to unwind. It feels like an impressive Left Bank claret full of classic character, with confident tannic architecture. High proportion of Petit Verdot, 33% new oak for ageing, 38 hl/ha yields, after hail on a small part of the vineyard.

Score: 91–93. A sumptuous, relaxed nose of ripe plums with deep, rich spice. The palate is velvety and caressing, mirroring the nose with the same spicy, fleshy, and savory complexity. The fruit is clearly present, carrying us through to a superb finish of salted cocoa.

A lovely fruity nose—harmonious, fresh and nicely racy—offering an almost subtle graphite edge. It reveals notes of blackcurrant and morello cherry, with a lighter touch of violet, alongside hints of crushed small red berries, plus delicate nuances of blueberry, tobacco and a touch of grey pepper. The palate is beautifully guided, fruity, elegant and indulgent, with suppleness, a floral note and a pleasingly long, stretched feel. Everything is spot on. On the palate, the wine expresses notes of fleshy blackberry and fresh raspberry, with a lighter touch of fresh flowers, alongside hints of fresh/fleshy small red fruits, plus nuances of blueberry, vanilla, toasted almond and a touch of toast. A subtle chalky edge to the tannins. Good persistence.