CHATEAU POUJEAUX 5eme Cru Classe, Haut-Medoc 2020 MAGNUM

Description

Château Poujeaux is a distinguished Cru Bourgeois in Moulis, celebrated for producing wines that rival Grand Cru Classé quality. The estate has a rich history dating back to the 16th century and has been in the hands of the Theil family since 1921, with brothers Philippe and François currently at the helm. The 2020 vintage, composed of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, and 5% Cabernet Franc, received noteworthy acclaim, including 94-95 points from James Suckling, who praised its dense layers of blackberry, tar, and polished tannins. Decanter awarded it 92 points for its fresh fruit aromatics and confident tannic structure, ensuring excellent aging potential. The Wine Advocate rated it 91+, highlighting its aromatic complexity and refined finish. With a drinking window from 2025 to 2045, this wine exemplifies the character and finesse of Poujeaux, offering an enchanting experience for enthusiasts. (120 words)

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Château Poujeaux is a leading Cru Bourgeois property that consistently produces wines of Grand Cru Classé quality. Poujeaux is located in the commune of Moulis and can trace its history back to the 16th century. It has been owned and run since 1921 by the Theil family and today it is brothers Philippe and François who are at the helm.

Poujeaux's 52-hectare vineyard is located in a single plot on a well-sited gravel ridge just outside the village of Poujeaux. The wine is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (50%), Merlot (40%), Cabernet Franc (5%) and Petit Verdot (5%).

The legendary 1953 Poujeaux was famously mistaken by Baron Rothschild for Lafite, and remains the finest wine the property has ever produced. Poujeaux wines are typically deeply coloured, wonderfully perfumed on the nose and display a seductive, creamy texture with densely concentrated cassis fruits on the palate.

JAMES SUCKLING 94-95 Points
13 Apr, 2021 – A dense, layered red with blackberry, tar, asphalt and spice character. Medium-to full-bodied with wonderful, polished and creamy tannins. Chewy and fine. Potentially one of the best in a long time.

DECANTER 92 points
Tasted by Jane Anson (at Primeur week tastings in Bordeaux, 01 May 2021)
Good depth of colour to the fruit, deep plum, with attractive fresh fruit aromatics. Confident tannic frame with acidity and black fruits - all the elements to ensure it will age. There isn't the richness of the fruit that you will find in 2016 but it is full of personality and easy to recommend. One of the more successful wines from Moulis in the vintage. Lots of tannins, and a point of bitterness on the close of play that needs to be carefully handled during ageing. A yield of 34hl/ha.
Drinking Window 2025 - 2036

THE WINE ADVOCATE 91+ POINTS
Reviewed by: William Kelley
Drink Date: 2025 - 2045
The 2020 Poujeaux is a strong follow-up to the excellent 2019. Wafting from the glass with aromas of cherries, minty blackberries, pencil shavings and licorice, it's medium to full-bodied, deep and lively, with excellent concentration, refined tannins and a penetrating finish. A touch more tightly wound out of the gates than the 2019, it will reward a few years' patience with a broad drinking window.

VINOUS 89+ The 2020 Poujeaux has an attractive nose featuring raspberry and dark berry fruit, with touches of violet and strawberry pastilles. The palate is medium-bodied with a very peppery entry. It's granular in texture and notably minerally, with a fine-boned finish that needs a touch more flesh. Not bad, though I feel this might have closed down a little since I tasted it just after bottling. This just doesn't quite shine today. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. - Neal Martin