Chateau Poujeaux, Moulis en Medoc 2009

Stunning nose of cassis, plum and bitter chocolate. Real concentration and a great balance of ripeness, fine tannins and bright acidity drive the complex finish along at an astonishing clip. Delicious now, but will hold. (Horizontal Tasting, London, 2019)

One of the best value 2009s that you can find in terms of its ability to deliver signature Moulis-Médoc character without having to wait too long or think too hard. Dark brambled fruits, tannins that are now soft and melted, with layers of cigar box, mint leaf, crushed stones and saffron. Even better out of magnum if you can find it, no need to wait to drink but plenty to enjoy. 5% Cabernet Franc completes the blend.

Pretty tobacco, damp earth, cedar, leafy herbs, and darker fruits all emerge from the 2009 Château Poujeaux, a rich, medium-bodied, impressively concentrated Moulis. With rocking mid-palate depth and sweet tannins, drink this totally seductive 2009 over the coming decade.

The final blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot was cropped very low at 35 hectoliters per hectare. Deep purple, with a nose of subtle smoke, graphite, blueberry and black raspberry fruit as well as some spring flowers, in the mouth a touch of oak makes an appearance, but the wine is full-bodied, rich, inky and unctuously textured due to the high glycerin and alcohol that hits 14% plus. This beauty should drink well for up to two decades.

The finest wine I have tasted from Poujeaux over the last 33 years, the 2009 is the second vintage under the ownership of the Cuvelier family, who made the absolutely monumental 2009 Clos Fourtet. This large vineyard of over 100 acres has always had a relatively lofty reputation for the best wine of Moulis. The consultants on the 2009 were Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt, and they have produced a blockbuster Poujeaux that certainly qualifies as one of the sleepers of the vintage it is a wine to seek out, as it is reasonably priced.

The 2009 Poujeaux has a very pure bouquet with more red fruit than black, quite high toned with crushed violet scents emerging with time, almost Right Bank in style. The palate is medium-bodied with very supple tannin, and well judged acidity. A little heady in style with some warm alcohol towards the finish. Decadent for a Moulis but enjoyable, though I suspect the 2010 is the safer long term bet. Tasted at BI Wines & Spirits' Ten Year On tasting.

The 2009 Poujeaux has a medium to deep garnet color and delivers expressive blackberry preserves, prunes, sautéed herbs and fragrant earth notes with hints of tobacco and fallen leaves. Medium-bodied with refreshing acidity and a chewy texture supporting the earthy flavors in the mouth, it finishes on a stewed tea note. Drinking well right now!