Château Potensac is one of Bordeaux's great under-the-radar gems. Like any true claret, it can be classically restrained and firm in youth, but wonderfully perfumed and cooly delicious with bottle age.
The wine is made by the Delon family, who also make legendary Saint-Julien 2nd growth, Léoville Las Cases. Potensac comes from vines further north, on gravel-over-limestone hills in the Médoc appellation just beyond Saint-Estèphe.
Professional Reviews
Antonio Galloni
AG
92
"The 2020 Potensac was picked September 14–30 and matured in 20% new oak. It has a clean, pure black currant and blueberry nose, a little more opulent than usual, but well defined and demonstrating a bit more fruité, which it has occasionally lacked in some vintages. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp acidity, and quite saline on the entry, with touches of black olive infusing the black fruit. A midweight with a lively, classically fashioned finish, this is a very commendable Potensac that should give 12–15 years of pleasure, but warrants 3–4 years in a cool, damp cellar." -Vinous
Robert Parker
RP
90
"The 2020 Potensac is composed of 44% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Petit Verdot and 22% Cabernet Franc, weighing in with an alcohol of 14.05%, a pH of 3.63 and an IPT (tannins index) of 76. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on the 29th and 30th of September, the Merlot from the 14th to the 26th of September, the Petit Verdot on the 29th of September and the Cabernet Franc on the 28th of September. With a medium to deep garnet-purple color, it offers up eager-to-please notes of fresh Bing cherries, redcurrants and black raspberries, plus hints of dried Provence herbs, dusty soil, wild mushrooms and tobacco leaf. The medium-bodied palate has a good concentration of red and black fruits with a chewy texture and just enough freshness, finishing earthy." -Robert Parker
Wine Spectator
WS
90
"Reserved in style, this moves steadily and methodically along, with a textbook core of cassis and bitter cherry notes laced with light anise, wet stone and iron. Shows good mouthwatering cut on the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Drink now."