2021 Potensac (Medoc)

A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and an unusually high 23% Cabernet France, the 2021 Potensac offers up attractive aromas of cassis, loamy soil, wilted rose petals and pipe tobacco. Medium-bodied, supple and lively, with ripe, powdery tannins and a saline finish, it`s a charming, perfumed rendition of this Médoc estate. Tasted three times. 89-90 points

The 2021 Potensac was picked September 29 through October 13 and contains the highest-ever percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon (40%). Aged in 20% new oak, it has a light blackberry and raspberry nose with touches of tobacco. The palate is medium-bodied, though clearly lighter and airier than recent vintages, and displays slight attenuation on the finish. Two bottles tasted, the second at the château showing slightly better. 87-89 points

The 2021 Potensac is beguiling. Perhaps it is the high amount of Cabernet Franc (23%) in the blend this year. The 2021 exudes refinement from the very first taste. Rose petal, spice, crushed red berry fruit and sweet pipe tobacco all open effortlessly. Readers will find a Haut-Médoc endowed with compelling aromatic presence and exceptional balance. The purity of the flavors is striking. 90-92 points

Classically-balanced Podensac, dense ruby in colour, this is not exuberant, full of cool blue fruits, a signature of the good wines of the vintage, careful extraction, gentle overall, this is good quality and can be approached early. Highest level of Cabernet Franc ever, 3.54ph, 37hl/h yield after mildew. Harvest through to October 13th. Tasted twice. 89 points