Wines Moulis-en-Médoc Dutruch Grand Poujeaux - L'Esprit - 2019

Viniou Reviews

Dutruch Grand Poujeaux’s "Cuvée L'Esprit" 2019 from Moulis-en-Médoc is a quintessential red Bordeaux blend that captures the spirit of its esteemed terroir. This cuvée, crafted from grapes typically including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and often touches of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, embodies a harmonious balance between fruit, structure, and elegance. In 2019, the vintage is marked by ripe fruit expression, supple tannins, and remarkable freshness due to a favourable growing season with ample sunshine and well-timed rains. The vinification here follows traditional Médoc methods: meticulous hand-picking, fermentation in stainless steel or concrete vats, and careful élevage in French oak barrels, lending subtle spice and complexity.

The Moulis-en-Médoc appellation, nestled between Margaux and Saint-Julien, is renowned for its diverse soils—primarily gravelly outcrops mixed with clay and limestone. This unique terroir contributes to wines of both finesse and depth, with the gravel aiding drainage and warmth, while the clay imparts power and roundness. The region’s mild oceanic climate, moderated by the proximity to the Atlantic, helps ensure slow and complete ripening, preserving both the aromatic intensity and the vibrancy of the fruit. Historically, Moulis-en-Médoc has produced wines celebrated for their accessibility, approachability in youth, yet impressive ageing potential.

The energetic and structured character of this 2019 Dutruch Grand Poujeaux makes it a perfect companion for robust dishes. Think of classic entrecôte bordelaise, roast lamb with thyme, duck breast with cherry sauce, or aged cow’s milk cheeses like comté or mimolette. Regional specialities such as confit de canard or mushroom-based dishes elegantly complement its earthy undertones and refined tannins.

For optimal appreciation, decant the wine for at least an hour to allow the bouquet of blackcurrant, plum, cedar, and graphite to unfurl. Serve at a temperature of 16-18°C, which will heighten its aromatic complexity and showcase its beautifully integrated structure. This is a wine to savour now for its generosity, or to cellar further for added sophistication.