Château Branas Grand Poujeaux 2010

A stunning sleeper of the vintage, this blend of 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot from the Onclin family is a homerun. It got a big “Wow” from me, given its blueberry and blackberry fruit, hints of camphor and charcoal, superb texture, full-bodied mouth-feel and stunningly long finish. A major over-achiever in 2010, this wine should drink well for 15 or more years. A member of the Alliance des Cru Bourgeois du Medoc.

Creamy-textured, but not lush, as a charcoal thread keeps the enticing plum sauce, blackberry coulis and steeped currant notes from being too flattering. A singed cedar note holds the finish together, while an alluring smoky edge lingers. Drink now through 2022. 3,000 cases made, 150 cases imported.

From a 30-acre property next to Château Chasse-Spleen, this 2010 is solid, dark and rich, typical of the vintage. There is a veneer of smooth new wood that opens to reveal firm, solid tannins. This is big, structured and ready for long-term aging.

Super aromas of this group with dark currants and sweet tobacco. Some vanilla bean. Full body, chewy and tannic. Serious back bone and structure. Better in 2015.

Very dark purple. Thick and sweet. Not that fresh but makes a splash. Rather New Worldy… Dry finish. Hot finish. (JR)

Soft textures, round tannins and a blast of licorice, smoke, espresso bean and black cherries carry through from start to finish. An hour or so in the decanter helps. Still young, this will be better in a few years. One of the better wines from Moulis and it sells for fair price too! The wine was made from blending 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot.

Dark inky core. Modern dark fruity nose, rather ripe with fine oak, spices, cassis and plum. The palate is dense and juicy with a good freshness, layers of dark berries, fine oak, spicy notes and a long, rigid finish. Fine potential.

Deep purple-garnet color. Brilliant bouquet: ripe plums, a hint of dried fruit, ripe bananas, with an almost buttery impression on the attack. On the palate, it’s opulent, with a subtle bitter dark-chocolate note at the core.

Satin purple-garnet, dense at the core, with a violet sheen on the rim. Brilliant bouquet: ripe plums, a hint of dried fruit, ripe bananas, almost buttery on entry. On the palate, opulent with lavish contours, which makes the wine somehow erotic; at its heart a subtly bitter dark-chocolate note appears, but that will surely resolve itself easily. (18/20). 19: In the meantime, drunk a few times. On the one hand too young, on the other it shows—thanks to very ripe Merlot—certain plum and honey notes on the nose. Still more of a food wine. I had quite a large lot to sell. Almost everyone who bought it wanted more afterwards. (18/20). 20: Very dark garnet with a finely lightening rim. Wonderful, intense bouquet. Aromas of red and black cherries mixed with a touch of coconut and violet, then shifting back to fresh lingonberries, café au lait and bread crust. Attractive palate entry, well-integrated acidity and the tannins—for a 2010—are already very pleasant and surprisingly finely knit. Here, greatness and enjoyment come together in equal measure. In terms of value for money, virtually unbeatable. (18/20).

A fine, rich, velvety, warm bouquet with blackberry jelly, plum fruit and vanilla. Opulent, broad palate with powerful fruit, silky tannins, a good tannic structure, generous aromatics, and a long, full finish. Can still improve. 17/20 2018 - 2034

The 2010 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a deep garnet color. It opens with broody notions of smoked meats, tobacco, and tar, leading to a core of prunes, fruitcake, and figs, plus a waft of new leather. Medium to full-bodied, the palate delivers mouth-coating chewy tannins and bright acidity to match the evolved, savory flavors, finishing long and earthy.

Supple and smooth, very elegant, lovely ripe fruit, fine tannins, and a lovely finish.