Château Poujeaux 2023

The 2023 Poujeaux was picked from September 18 to October 4 and matured 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 mediumbodied 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. Drinking window: 2028-2042. (Neal Martin,Other)