2021 Poujeaux (Moulis)

The 2021 Poujeaux is a strong effort, opening in the glass with aromas of dark berries and plums mingled with notions of pencil shavings, violets and loamy soil. Medium-bodied, elegant and seamless, it`s a pretty middleweight, framed by lively acids and powdery, melting tannins. 89-91 points

The 2021 Poujeaux put in a good performance from barrel. Now in bottle, it has a clean and well-defined nose that demonstrates slightly more fruit concentration than its peers: black cherries, raspberry, sea spray and light estuarine scents. The palate is medium-bodied with granular tannins. This is a slightly austere Poujeaux, yet it retains balance and offers more complexity compared to others, lightly spiced toward the finish with decent length. Drink this over the next 15 years. 91 points

The 2021 Poujeaux offers terrific energy to match its mid-weight, yet fleshy personality. Crushed flowers, sweet red berry fruit, mint and sage come together effortlessly. The 2021 is beautifully rendered. It`s one of the under the radar gems of the year. Tasted three times. 89-91 points

This has a depth of fruit on the nose, clear blackberry, cassis and brambled fruit, with concentration and a mouthwatering finish. The oak is a little intrusive at this stage on the finish, but there is a ton of potential here, if lacking the seductive brilliance of recent years. This is always a benchmark estate for me in assessing the quailty of a vintage, as it is so consistenly excellent, and it`s clear 2021 brought its challenges, with tomato leaf and celery stalk on the finish. Mathieu and Philippe Cuvelier owners, Christophe Labenne director, consultant Stéphane Derenoncourt. Tasted twice. 90 points