Potensac 2016

Medoc, Cru bourgeois

GBP Price: Size Quantities Units status Actions
Tasting Notes

The 2016 Potensac contains earlier-picked Merlot and later-picked Cabernet, according to the estate. It offers blackberry, sous-bois and crushed stone on the nose, the new oak (one-third) finely integrated and focused. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin and a fine bead of acidity, delivering a mixture of red and black fruit and a lightly spiced, almost gentle finish of satisfying length. I appreciate the nonchalant, easygoing nature of this Potensac, which should give immense pleasure over the next 15 to 20 years.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2020-2036 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Potensac is a blend of 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, cropped at 55 hectoliters per hectare between 5 and 19 October (11 days of picking), then matured in 30% new oak. Jean-Hubert Delon told me that his team was selective in the winery and so the Grand Vin only comprises 55% of the total production. It actually shares the potent marine/estuarine influence of the Chapelle de Potensac, plenty of black fruit here, maybe a little rustic but with plenty of character. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, quite linear at first, opening nicely in the mouth to reveal a spicy and lively middle and finish. This has a little more panache than the 2015 Potensac, more detail towards the finish, and it should give plenty of drinking pleasure over the next decade or more.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2020-2035 Date: 28 April 2017

The 2016 Potensac is a huge overachiever. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice, leather, licorice and lavender flesh out in this striking, deeply flavored Médoc. Inky, racy and super-expressive, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total seduction. Jean-Hubert Delon's entire portfolio is impressive in 2016, but the wines from Potensac are especially of note. Tasted two times.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2021-2036 Date: 01 January 2019

The 2016 Potensac bristles with energy. Bright aromatics, mouthwatering acidity and finely sculpted fruit elevate the 2016 to a lofty position among the best wines in its class. Graphite, crushed rocks, lavender, blue/purplish fruit and exotic flowers abound in this tasty, midweight Médoc from Jean-Hubert Delon.

Score: 89 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Date: 25 April 2017

Potensac benefits from its location close to St-Estèphe in this vintage, and the tannins are absolutely beautiful, far more bouncy and fresh than in some vintages. Deep, rich blueberry and raspberry fruits are framed by the same floral prettiness as the second wine. What an excellent vintage for Potensac, owned by the Delon Group. A definite buy this year, give it maybe five years then crack right into it. 56% grand vin, 34% to Chapelle de Potensac and 10% sent to bulk. A blend of 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot, aged in 30% new oak. 3.49pH.

Score: 90 Decanter, - Maturity: 2022-2038 Date: 21 April 2017

Bright crimson. Racy and very rich and polished. Lovely tannins. Very juicy. Some tannin and potential underneath. Firm structure but no austerity. GV?

Score: 17 Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Date: 20 April 2017

39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, 15% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Attractive black and blue sappy fruit, sturdy weight and an easy texture.

Score: 90 - 91 Albany Vintners, - Date: 19 April 2017

Lovely cherry paste and cassis flavors are fresh and open, backed by light plum pit and chalk notes that impart focus on the finish. Nicely done.

Score: 88 - 91 James Molesworth, Wine Spectator Date: 10 April 2017

What a racy and focused Potensac with wonderful density and finesse as well as a firm and polished tannins that hold the whole thing together. A beautiful, reasoned young red. One of best Potensacs in a long time.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 24 March 2017