Château Potensac 2024

Cool, stony aroma, dark berries; on the palate it is elegant, showing finesse and polish, with tannins of very good quality; it flows well with good length and finishes with a pleasant bitterness.

Cabernet-heavy aromas on the nose: blackcurrant leaf, cherries and plums with some wild-strawberry touches. Tannins are prominent but melt onto the sides, underpinned by chalky, liquorice-edged notes that also put the minerality to the fore. Salty, graphite, pencil lead and cool blueberries. This has structure and sinewy muscle but keeps a focused frame. I like this; it’s stylish, with plenty of personality and enough frame to be filling. Really good. Second vintage with so much Cabernet. Average vine age: 60 years. Ageing: 15% new barrels for 12 months. 12.2% press. pH 3.68.

Tobacco, cedar, underbrush, and red currants pop in the nose. On the palate, the wine is juicy, crisp, and crunchy, with a zesty, lively, bright character to the red pit fruits on the palate and in the finish. The wine was produced from blending 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, and 22% Cabernet Franc. 12.9% ABV. Drink from 2027-2040. 90-92 pts

The nose is fleshy, with notable intensity and depth of fruit. It reveals notes of pulpy raspberry, toasted bread and, more delicately, flowers, joined by touches of small fleshy/ripe berries, as well as discreet hints of infusion, crushed cherry and subtle toasted nuances. The palate is nicely guided, sapid, supple, with gourmandise, precision, and a zesty backbone. On the palate, this wine shows notes of juicy/pulpy blackberry, raspberry, and, more lightly, juicy cherry, combined with touches of vibrant raspberry, along with fine floral hints, sweet tobacco and a hint of toasted hazelnut. The tannins are fresh, with a slight chew and plenty of gourmandise. A subtle sappy note lingers on the finish.

Sappy acidities, bright and vivid red fruits but a touch leafy, which brings things to a close more swiftly than the past excellent few vintages at this property. 15% new oak. 3.68 pH. 35 hl/ha. 12.2% press wine. Harvest 27 September to 2 October. Mikaël Georges technical director, 35 hl/ha yield. This is the lowest amount of Merlot to date in this wine, a reflection of the reworked vineyard. There is still a 2nd wine at Potensac, but sold in bottle only.

A beautiful deep red with black highlights. The nose is a little discreet, with ripe fruit aromas. The palate is juicy, smooth and flavorful, with a slightly lively finish (a higher proportion of cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon). Aging will help it integrate. Blend: 45% cabernet sauvignon, 33% merlot, 22% cabernet franc. Alcohol: 12.9% - pH: 3.68 - IPT: 74. Yield: 35 hl/ha. 12.2% press wine.