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.

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.