Appellations

Potensac 2020

Medoc, Cru bourgeois

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Tasting Notes

The 2020 Potensac is a jewel of a wine. Bright acids give the 2020 notable energy that is immediately apparent. Crushed red berry fruit, blood orange, mint, rose petal, star anise and crushed rocks are all beautifully laced together. This finely cut, chiseled Médoc is a winner. I imagine it will age gracefully for a number of years to come.

Score: 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2035 Date: 23 February 2023

The 2020 Potensac is quite delicate and finessed, with bright acids that lend a real sense of energy. Expressive floral accents from the Cabernet Franc (a bit elevated in 2020) add aromatic presence to balance things out. Sweet red berry fruit, mint, sage and rose petals linger on the delineated, precise finish.

Score: 90 - 92 Antonio Galloni, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025 - 2035 Date: 01 June 2021

As I mentioned in my tasting note from barrel, the 2020 Potensac displays a little more opulence on the nose compared to other vintages. This is certainly true in bottle, though it retains a sense of composure, mainly red fruit laced with tobacco and a touch of leather. The palate is nicely balanced with fine tannins, crisp acidity, just a touch of licorice infusing the mixture of red and black fruit, a welcome tarriness imparting some classic Claret notes on the finish. A fine Potensac.

Score: 91 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2036 Date: 08 February 2023

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.

Score: 90 - 92 Neal Martin, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025-2036 Date: 01 May 2021

This is very balanced and round with lovely softness. Plenty of fruity. Medium body. Lots of salinity and savoriness. Long and delicious. Friendly already. 44% merlot, 33% cabernet sauvignon, 22% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot.

Score: 93 - 94 James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Date: 23 May 2021

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.

Score: 88 - 90 Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2023 - 2032 Date: 21 May 2021

This kicks off at a high intensity and manages to deliver both concentration and freshness. Juicy and easy to approach and will easily last 10 years. Has charm and appeal, and a sappy delivery of cassis and bilberry fruits. Oldest vines on this estate are around 100 years old, helping them withstand the drought. 1% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.63pH, 20% new oak.

Score: 92 Jane Anson, Decanter.com Maturity: 2024 - 2040 Date: 19 May 2021

44% Merlot, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot. Cask sample. Bright and lifted on the nose with floral notes (see the percentage of Cabernet Franc) and more finesse than in the past. Definite sense of energy. Lovely texture on attack and plenty of freshness then drive and persistence. Big tannic frame (IPT tannin index nearly the same as Las Cases) but fine-grained and subtle. Ageing potential. Should be GV. (JL)

Score: 16+ Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com Date: 09 May 2021