critic reviews
The 2023 Poujeaux is deep garnet-purple in color. Notions of redcurrants, cranberry sauce, and black raspberries pop from the glass, followed by hints of dried Provence herbs and pencil shavings. The medium-bodied palate is chewy and lively, with subtle red berry flavors and a succinct finish. The blend is 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, and 10% Petit Verdot.
Always an estate that works hard and is often a good bet across a variety of vintage conditions. It works again in 2023, prety austere right now, layers of tannic architecture along with signature mint leaf and cigar box. No question this will age, don't rush it, needs time to unwind, feels like an impressive Left Bank claret full of classic character, and confident tannic architecture. High propotion of Petit Verdot, 33% new oak for ageing, 38hl/ha yields, after hail on a small prt of the vineyard.
The 2023 Poujeaux was picked from September 18 to October 4 andmatured in 30% new oak. The first couple of samples tasted didn't quite engage as much as a third bottle on the penultimate day's tasting, which seems more representative. This Moulis, owned by the Cuvelier family (Clos Fourtet) has a tempting nose with blackberry, wild strawberry, incense and crushed violet scents—well defined and focused, blossoming nicely in the glass. There's good energy and vibrancy. The palate is medium-bodied with crunchy black fruit. Perhaps just a little gritty in terms of texture, there is a bit of rigidity apropos the tannins on the finish. Hopefully, it will gain more elegance once in bottle, but it feels as if it will meld together during élevage.
The 2023 Poujeaux offers up youthfully reserved aromas of licorice, dark wild berries and smoke. Medium-bodied, firm and slightly austere, its elegant and gently structured with powdery tannins and a long, somber finish. A second encounter revealed greater flesh and plentitude. It's a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon (a higher proportion than usual), 35% Merlot and 10% Petit Verdot.