2022 Château Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois Moulis

High expectations for this estate in 2022, and it delivers by keeping a foot on the brake in the face of the high intensity potential of the vintage. This is impressive, so much Left Bank character, full of slate and liquorice, easy to recommend with ageing potential. Transmits a real joy among the tannins, and the ripe blackberry and cassis fruits have purpose and personality. Harvest September 15 to 30. First time to bring the temperature down to 24C during fermentation, still with natural yeast. Estate manager Christophe Labenne. 33% new oak, 3.85ph. 33% new oak.

The 2022 Château Poujeaux is mostly Cabernet Sauvignon but includes 42% Merlot and 3% Petit Verdot. A big, rich, almost massive Listrac, it sports a dense purple color, impressive notes of black fruits, chocolate, and crushed stone, medium to full-bodied richness, and a great finish. It might be the most impressive Poujeaux I've ever tasted. Tasted twice.

The 2022 Poujeaux offers up aromas of cassis, plums, pencil shavings and sweet soil tones, followed by a medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated palate that opens with a velvety attack, segueing into a firmer, more austere mid-palate and finish that depress my score. If this rounds out with élevage, my review will prove conservative.

A medium-bodied red with crunchy fruit and tight tannin structure. Juicy acidity coming through. Chewy and solid at the end. Closed and pretty tannins.

The 2022 Poujeaux is very beautiful. Silky, aromatic and elegant, the 2022 is flat-out delicious. Crushed red/purplish berries, mint, blood orange, graphite and spice are all beautifully woven together. Clean mineral notes extend the finish effortlessly. The 2022 is all class. It's as simple as that.