2023 Château Poujeaux, Cru Bourgeois Moulis

The 2023 Poujeaux is plump, juicy and super-inviting right out of the gate. Inky dark fruit, sweet spice and floral accents caress the palate, all framed by supple, silky tannins. There's a bit more Petit Verdot in the blend this year, and that comes through in the wine's dark flavor profile and structural feel. This is a fine vintage for Poujeaux. Tasted four times.

The 2023 Poujeaux was picked from September 18 to October 4 andmatured 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 medium-bodied 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.

The tight tannins and pretty fruit are very attractive now, with medium body and a juicy finish. I like it.