Poujeaux 2006

This estate was acquired last year by St.-Emilion's Cuvelier family, who has done a phenomenal job of bringing the famous Premieres Grand Cru Classe of St.-Emilion, Clos Fourtet, into superstar status. Nicolas Thienpont and Stephane Derenoncourt are now producing the wine, although I do not believe they had anything to do with the 2006. Its deep ruby/purple color, notes of sweet black currants, incense, camphor, and spice box, and medium to full-bodied style are accompanied by a wine with excellent fruit intensity, purity, and length. It should drink well for 10-15 years. Good value.

The 2006 Château Poujeaux has an attractive bouquet with plenty of lovely blackcurrant and raspberry fruit interlaced with cedar and tobacco notes. The palate is medium-bodied with good grip in the mouth, impressive substance and a tightly-coiled, saline finish that suggests this might surpass expectation. It certainly did mine. One to look out for.

Good crimson with a weak rim. Hint of volatility. Sweet start but then fresh and only slightly austere and inky. Light, quite delicate and racy - sort of in the same idiom at Ch Margaux but with very much less stuffing. Good courageous attempt though. Delicate with tannins there. Could make useful lunchtime claret?! Freshness is the dominant characteristic. This should be one of the better value buys.

Tasted at a negotiant. An attractive nose of blackberry, earth and Morello. Good definition. The palate does not disappoint with good concentration, quite thick, chewy tannins and a masculine style. Harmonious with vibrant acidity and a cedar/graphite tinged finish. Like the Maucaillou, nothing to set you heart racing, but undeniably well-crafted and "natural". Tasted April 2007.