Wines Moulis-en-Médoc Château Poujeaux - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Château Poujeaux 2019, from the Moulis-en-Médoc appellation in Bordeaux, is a striking example of a Left Bank red wine crafted predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and occasionally Cabernet Franc. The 2019 vintage benefited from ideal ripening conditions: a mild spring, a warm and dry summer, then opportune rainfall before harvest, resulting in excellent fruit concentration and balanced tannins. Vinification at Château Poujeaux is meticulous, with fermentation in stainless steel vats followed by ageing in French oak barrels, a portion of which is new oak, lending structure and subtle toasty notes to the wine. The resulting wine is deeply coloured, with an aromatic profile of blackcurrant, morello cherry and plum, interwoven with cedar, tobacco, graphite, and hints of cocoa and spice. The palate is generous yet refined, showing supple tannins and a lingering, fresh finish, promising superb aging potential.

Moulis-en-Médoc is the smallest of the Médoc’s six appellations, situated on a strip of gravelly land nestled between the more renowned Margaux and Saint-Julien. The terroir here is distinctive, with Günzian gravel and clay-limestone soils providing excellent drainage, which is particularly favourable for Cabernet Sauvignon. The moderated oceanic climate is influenced by the proximity of the Atlantic, ensuring mild winters and warm, but not scorching, summers—ideal for gradual, even maturation of the grapes. The region has a rich viticultural history, with roots dating back to Roman times, and is celebrated for producing robust, complex wines which nonetheless remain accessible in their youth.

This classic Bordeaux would be superb alongside traditional dishes such as entrecôte à la bordelaise, duck breast with blackcurrant sauce, or a rack of lamb with rosemary. Roasted root vegetables, mushroom risotto, or mature cheeses also make harmonious companions. For a regional twist, try it with Médocain beef or confit de canard.

To appreciate the full bouquet and structure of Château Poujeaux 2019, decant the wine for at least an hour before serving, ideally at a temperature of 16-18°C. This will allow the wine’s complexity and finesse to shine, whether enjoyed now or after some further cellaring.