2021, Château Potensac, MÉDOC

The 2021 Potensac is beguiling. Perhaps it is the high amount of Cabernet Franc (23%) in the blend this year. The 2021 exudes refinement from the very first taste. Rose petal, spice, crushed red berry fruit and sweet pipe tobacco all open effortlessly. Readers will find a Haut-Médoc endowed with compelling aromatic presence and exceptional balance. The purity of the flavours is striking. 90-92 Antonio Galloni.

Supple, lively and fruity, with chalky tannins and a push of blackcurrant and plum fruit. It's cooling on the palate, good freshness and density while still having a refinement and light touch. A lovely example from the Médoc with creamy tones coming in on the mid-palate. Focused and well worked. Great for easy and enjoyable drinking. 89 Georgina Hindle, Decanter.

A blend of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot and an unusually high 23% Cabernet Franc, the 2021 Potensac offers up attractive aromas of cassis, loamy soil, wilted rose petals and pipe tobacco. Medium-bodied, supple and lively, with ripe, powdery tannins and a saline finish, it's a charming, perfumed rendition of this Médoc estate. 89-90+ William Kelley.