Castle Potensac - Médoc 2013

Wine Advocate

85 / 100

byNeal Martinthe10/28/2016

The 2013 Potensac has a light, brambly bouquet that, to be honest, needs to show more presence, more sense of purpose. It is a little ephemeral. The palate is medium-bodied with light tannin, nicely judged acidity, quite harmonious in the mouth even if it does lack substance and drifts towards the dry finish. Enjoy this over the next 4-5 years.

Wine Spectator

85 / 100

the3/31/2016

Jamessuckling.com

88 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe2/15/2016

A dense and delicious red with currant, mineral and tobacco. Medium body, fine tannins and a bright finish. Drink now.

Wine Advocate

83-85 / 100

byRobert Parkerthe8/29/2014

The 2013 Potensac, always one of the best of the lower-tier wines from Bordeaux and one with incredible aging potential for an unheralded non-classified growth, is a blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. It is a soft, round, easygoing wine offering pleasant notes of loamy soil, cherries and red currants. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.

While 2014 was looking fabulous (although it’s entirely too early to make any prognoses), one troublesome area was the northern Medoc, in and around the village of Bedagan that was ravaged by hailstorms in June, 2014. At least two-thirds of the Potensac vineyard was destroyed, and proprietor Jean-Hubert Delon told me it was so bad that it may even impact the 2015 crop.

Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar

86-89 / 100

byStephen Tanzerthe5/16/2014

(49% cabernet sauvignon, 30% merlot, 20% cabernet franc and 1% petit verdot; 3.67 pH; 39 hl/ha; 13% alcohol):  Red-ruby. Aromas of black cherry, licorice, mint and oak.  Moderately dense, even a bit chunky, offering spicy red berry and cedar flavors.  Finishes with substantial but sweet tannins and good chewy length.  This may flesh out and develop nicely prior to release.

matthewjukes.com

16,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe4/23/2014

(49 Cabernet Sauvignon, 20 Cabernet Franc, 30 Merlot, 1 Petit Verdot) Lot of flower shatter in the old Merlot. 1/3 new oak. Quite sexy and full and very focussed on the finish. Good sinew and more red than dark in fruit terms. Pretty pure as well. This is a good effort for Potensac and it will age well.

Decanter.com

16,5 / 20

bySteven Spurrierthe4/15/2014

Dense colour, fine fragrance and purity lifted by 20% Cabernet Franc – almost  St-Julien depth. This is what Médoc at its best is all about

Wine Advocate

87-89 / 100

byNeal Martinthe4/15/2014

The Potensac 2013 was cropped at 39hl/ha, the old merlot vines affected by coulure. It has a strict and linear nose with strong sous-bois scents coming through the black fruit profile. The palate is medium-bodied with sappy red berry fruit, fine acidity, a little chewiness towards the finish but decent weight. It is an honest Potensac that will give pleasure over the next 10 years.

Jamessuckling.com

88-89 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe4/8/2014

Firm and tight with very good raspberry and blueberry character. Medium body, fine tannins. Bright acidity.

Wine Spectator

85-88 / 100

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2014

Light, with modest cherry and plum pit notes and a modest cedar shading on the finish. Has good length and should fill in a bit more. —J.M.

Wine Enthusiast

89-91 / 100

byRoger Vossthe3/31/2014

This wine is fruity, with a good tannic structure that balances the palate. The acidity is pronounced, resulting in an overall fresh and exuberant feel.