2017 Poujeaux (Moulis)

The 2017 Poujeaux has a generous, slightly smudged bouquet with cranberry, raspberry and cedar aromas, just a little greenness in the background. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, dark berry fruit, black pepper and a little graphite. It just misses a sense of energy that I have found on the finest vintages of this Moulis, although there is a pleasant sappiness that develops. 89-91 points

Right from the nose this has rich, deep cassis and dark fruit notes, as well as a lovely juicy vibrancy through the palate. There are firm tannins that have some vibrancy to them. Although it’s not as persistent in structure as in 2016 and 2015, this is an extremely successful wine in the 2017 vintage. Aged in 33% new oak. A yield of 26hl/h, so there will be reduced volumes – an estimated 140,000 bottles this year. Fortunately the gravelly heart of the vineyard was not affected by the frost. There is an austerity to the tannins but it`s still hugely enjoyable. 92 points

Mid crimson. Sweetly spiced dark fruit. Oaky on the palate and a bit tough in tannin texture. Compact and a little obdurate and dry but might just come round. 15.5+ points

Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2017 Poujeaux has a nose of crushed black currants, blackberries and black pepper with touches of garrigue and bay leaves. The palate is medium-bodied with a firm, grippy structure and a slightly hollow mid-palate, finishing a little chewy. 83-85 points