2022 Château Potensac

One of the best ever with super currants, mint, mineral and iodine. Crushed stones. Medium- to full-bodied, it has wonderful caressing tannins that run the length of the wine. A real Potensac, cabernet-driven, that goes on for minutes. 43% cabernet sauvignon, 36.5% merlot, 19.5% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot. Drink after 2028 but already fantastic and one of the best values of the vintage. (01/2025)

The 2022 Château Potensac is based on 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and a splash of Petit Verdot. It has lots of ripe blue fruits, graphite, and gravelly earth to go with full-bodied richness and depth on the palate. It's a big, rich, tannic Potensac that's going to be long lived. I suspect 3-5 years of bottle age will be warranted here. (05/2023)

A blend of 43% Cabernet Sauvignon, 36.5% Merlot, 19.5% Cabernet Franc, and 1% Petit Verdot, the 2022 Potensac is deep garnet-purple in color. It needs a bit of swirling to bring out notes of crushed blackberries, cassis, and warm plums, with hints of cracked black pepper and fertile loam. The medium to full-bodied palate is packed with black fruit preserves, supported by firm, grainy tannins and just enough freshness, with loads of savory sparks on the finish. Nice! (05/2023)

Dark currant and blackberry fruit is laced with charcoal, warm humus and paving stone notes, along with a flash of chestnut leaf. There's a singed cedar frame to the finish. Textbook. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Best from 2026 through 2036.

- J.M.