Chateau Poujeaux

This chateau is a Cru Bourgeois located in Moulis, one of the two lesser communes in Medoc where no classed growth are found. Chateau Poujeaux and Chasse-Spleen are always perceived as the leaders in this commune. With the history traced back to the 16^th century, there were couple of change in hands and the estate is now under the Theil family.

Francois Theil first purchased 1/3 of the original estate I n1921, and his son then brought in the three portions together again. Because of its quality, the estate was awarded a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status in 1932. But because of the legal challenge on the classification, it was annulled in late 2007. And from that point there was also news on the sales of the property.

There are now 52 hectares under vine, with 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Average age of the vine is 35 years. Harvest is manual with fermentation under temperature-controlled environment, with maceration up to 28 days. The wine is matured in oak for one year, with 50% new oak each year. Total production per year is 30000 cases, with a second wine La Salle de Poujeaux.

I have recently tasted the 2006 vintage:

Vintage: 2006

Grape: 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 5% Petit Verdot

ABV: 13%                    

Price: HK$274

Tasting Date: 7 December 2011

Official website: www.chateaupoujeaux.com

Wineshark Score: 89

Deep ruby in colour, this Bordeaux Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel has a reasonably intense and developing nose of blackcurrant, tobacco, savory, black cherry, liquorice, smoke and earth. Fairly high in acidity and tannin, the wine is of fairly full body with intense flavors of blackcurrant, blackberry, black cherry, liquorice, cream, tobacco and mint. Overall of good quality, the palate is quite juicy and showing interesting flavors of fair complexity and reasonable length. Ready to drink now but can further develop for another 8-10 years.