CHÂTEAU POUJEAUX

Ripe and pure initially, but a little lean on the back of the palate, this is a dark wine with decent freshness and attack and it ends up a little bit strict and sour on the finish, but this is not particularly surprising. While this will be a nicely balanced wine, given time, it seems a little pinched right now, however, I have every confidence that the pure Cabernet fruit will keep it on the right path. Rating: 16.5+ Matthew Jukes www.matthewjukes.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Poujeaux is jam-packed with inky dark fruit, graphite, cloves, lavender, licorice and a kiss of new French oak that will almost certainly integrate during élevage. Plush, engaging and flat-out delicious, with silky, perfectly ripe tannins and superb balance, this is looking to be another superb wine from the Cuvelier family. Drinking range: 2022 - 2040 Rating: 90-92 Antonio Galloni, www.vinous.com (Jun 2021)

The 2020 Poujeaux was picked from September 17 to October 2 and matured in one-third new oak. It has a broody nose initially, gradually opening to display blackberry, brine and crushed rock aromas, certainly quite mineral-driven. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins and fine grip, though the tannins are not aggressive. There is a hint of dark chocolate toward the finish, but maybe I’m seeking a little more on the aftertaste. This should gain more length during its élevage. Very fine. Drinking range: 2025 - 2050 Rating: 91-93 Neal Martin, www.vinous.com (May 2021)

Good depth of colour to the fruit, deep plum, with attractive fresh fruit aromatics. Confident tannic frame with acidity and black fruits - all the elements to ensure it will age. There isn't the richness of the fruit that you will find in 2016 but it is full of personality and easy to recommend. One of the more successful wines from Moulis in the vintage. Lots of tannins, and a point of bitterness on the close of play that needs to be carefully handled during ageing. A yield of 34hl/ha. Drinking range: 2025 - 2036 Rating: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter (May 2021)

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. Very dark core with purplish rim. Dark, savoury and a little bit oaky on the nose and the same character on the palate. The fruit is there at the core but there is absolutely no fruit sweetness until right at the very end, just dark and refined. Firm, slightly thick, chewy tannins. A little unyielding for now but harmonious. Drinking range: 2028 - 2035 Rating: 16+ Julia Harding MW, www.JancisRobinson.com (Apr 2021)