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.

Remains one of the greatest value wines in Bordeaux, and extremely consistent, on excellent terroir in the heart of Moulis, dark cassis and raspberry fruits, firm tannins, mint leaf and graphite, totally awesome, balanced, classic, tasty, fresh with appellation typicity. Cuvelier family. 38hl/ha yields, 33% new oak for ageing.

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.

Lovely fruity nose, harmonious and fresh, nicely racy and offering an almost subtle graphite touch. Notes of blackcurrant and sour cherry emerge, with a lighter hint of violet, alongside touches of crushed small red berries, fine nuances of blueberry, tobacco and a touch of grey pepper. The palate is beautifully shaped—fruity, elegant and delicious—showing suppleness, a floral edge and a nice, elongated finish. Everything is perfectly in balance. On the palate, the wine reveals notes of juicy blackberry and fresh raspberry, with a lighter hint of fresh flowers, joined by touches of fresh/juicy small red fruits, as well as nuances of blueberry, vanilla, toasted almond and a hint of toast. A subtle chalky edge to the tannins. Good persistence.

This red’s supple red and black cherry fruit has melded nicely with notes of black tea and burnished cedar, plus a hint of tobacco. Shows a sanguine echo on the stylish finish. Nicely done. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2032. 18,000 cases made, 1,000 cases imported.

A very lovely deep, dark colour. Moderately intense nose, with slightly lively (green) fruit. Smooth on the attack, flavoursome on the mid-palate; the wine melts away through the middle of the mouth before returning on the finish with a hint of oak and average persistence. I was expecting more.

A delicate, blueberry-tinged bouquet with exotic woods, a subtle chocolate note, light tobacco and lilac. On the palate, very compact, with crumbly extract, a tight-knit tannin framework, edgy verve and a straight, taut build. A focused finish with cherry skin, dark graphite and a powdery astringency. Unfortunately, it can’t match last year’s very good showing.