2006 Potensac

Tasted at Bordeaux Index's annual 10-Year On tasting in London. The 2006 Château Potensac has a conservative bouquet, yet one that is nicely detailed with cedar-infused red berry fruit that has a pleasing brightness. The palate is medium-bodied with quite firm tannin, well-judged acidity and yet it would have benefit from more flesh towards the finish, which tapers in slightly. Tasted January 2016.

Pale ruby. Light, quite interesting minerally notes on the nose. Hint of gym shoe but all well balanced already. It’s not going to go anywhere but there’s nothing out of place for now. (JR)

46% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon. 11% Cabernet Franc. Château Potensac belongs to the Delon family of Château Léoville-Las Cases. The terroir consists of gravel-covered limestone similar to those in Blaye and St-Estèphe. Once harvested by hand, the fruit is fermented at a maximum temperature of 28°C in both stainless steel and concrete vats with up to 18 days of maceration. Maturation of up to 16 months in barrel (of which up to 30% in new) takes place before fining and bottling without filtration. 55 stores. Not too expensive considering pedigree and age...? A tad old and doddery in terms of fruit actually. Difficult to see why you would want to choose this. So drying on the end. (JR)