Bordeaux is without question one of the most coveted wine regions in all of Europe. It is defined by its location in southwest France at the confluence of the Garonne and Dordogne River. Known as the Gironde Estuary, the region is divided into two distinct regions-the Left Bank, the area directly south of the Garonne River, and the Right Bank, which his to the north of the River Dordogne.
Much is made of the distinction between wines from the Left Bank and the Right Bank. Each has its own distinctive properties, and each has its own set of admirable characteristics and legendary cache’.
Known for producing some of the most highly sought after blends, with bottles often commanding prices in the thousands, this is one of the most coveted and least understood wine regions in the world.
Chateau Poujeaux is from the Haut Medoc, a wine region on the Left Bank. The Left Bank is home of some of the most prestigious wines in Bordeaux, including more than 200 wine houses, or ‘chateaux’ that are classified as Cru Bourgeois, a wine classification invented in 1932 amidst dire market conditions. It was designed to give a commercial boost to lesser-known wine producers. Representing about 40% of the total production in the Medoc, they represent a unique opportunity to enjoy some terrific wines at unbelievably reasonable prices.
The rest of the wines in the Left Bank of Bordeaux are identified as First Growth, Second Growth, Third Growths, Fourth Growths and Fifth Growths according to the regulations of the 1855 Classified Bordeaux wines of the Medoc.
Soaring above it all are the Cru Bourgeois estates, and in the rarified stratosphere are the Artisan Crus, a countless array of small, virtually unknown growers who are the secret purvey of the most ardent collectors and oenophiles.
If you have the impression that you are droving in ‘high cotton’ when you enter the world of the Left Bank, you are probably right.
The history of Chateau Poujeaux dates to the 1600s, at the dawn of what we now know as Modern France. The Poujeaux lands were the purview of the Lordship of Latour Saint-Mambert. The chateau passed through many hands over the years, finally landing in the hands of the Cuvelier family in 2008. They modernized the winemaking facilities and converted the estate’s farming techniques to organic viticulture with an eye to biodynamic farming.
Enter renowned Bordeaux consultant Stephane Derenoncourt who aided the Cuvelier family in elevating their wines to the highest quality.
Chateau Poujeaux is a blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 45% Merlot and 5% Petit Verdot. All of the grapes are whole-berry fermented in both stainless steel and concrete to preserve maximum fruit integrity before aging in barrique for 12 months-one third in new French oak barrels, a two-thirds in second and third-use barrels.
The 2020 Bordeaux vintage is exceptional. In the glass, Chateau Poujeaux displays a vibrant purple color with jewel-like garnet highlights. Aromas of or crushed violets and dried rose petals give way to black cherries, wild strawberries and luscious flavors of baking spices and dark chocolate. A cornucopia of flavors cascade over the tongue!
A lively acidity delves deeply into a remarkable balance of ripe tannins, rich fruit and a lively acidity that flows into a long, persistent finish.
This is the ultimate food wine to enjoy with your finest meals. Roast Duck, Slow-grilled Cowboy Steak or Butterflied Leg of Lamb are excellent first choices.
Save a bit for sipping with the Cheese Course and a spicy Maduro Cigar by the fire pit on a warm spring or summer evening.
The wine is available for $360 for a case online, which is about $30 bottle. I don’t think you can beat that price for a truly outstanding wine.
Chateau Poujeaux Moulis en Medoc 2020 has been rated number two among award winners from the region. For more visit chateaupoujeaux.com.