Deep ruby with a tight garnet rim, 2014 Poujeaux recalls some complexities(60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% cabernet franc) and 'class' of some excellent crus: inks, lead pencil, graphite, dark fruit(blackcurrants), tones of classy new oak, minerals and tones of animal and game below the lurking dark fruit. The chalky finish gives structure and exceptional grip. Medium-bodied, good length, rounded tannins. Certain sophistication sets this 2014 Poujeaux apart from other humble Cru Bourgeois. Scores are not bad.
JS91-92. Quite a dark and mellow wine with generous dry tannins and plenty of concentration. It would score even more highly if this weren’t chewy on the finish. Edited.
Tim Atkins 91. Poujeaux is generally among the best crus bourgeois of the vintage, and that's certainly the case in 2014. Deeply coloured, scented and beguiling, it has excellent density and concentration, leafy, floral undertones and a core of savoury black fruits complemented by oak. Edited.
RP91. The Château Poujeaux 2014 is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 35% Merlot. It offers blackberry and briary scents on the nose, a little disjointed at first, but the aromas merge with time. The palate is medium-bodied with crisp tannin. There is satisfying fruit concentration here, finely-tuned acidity, and a sophisticated, elegant finish. Classically lined Poujeaux that should settle at the upper end of my banded score. Drink: 2018 - 2030. Edited.
Experienced with vintages such as 2001, 2004, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2015, this 2013 is the most friendly. The blend aims at complexity and generosity: 60% merlot, 34% Cabernet, a dash of Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. However, we have to taste it again at a later point in time to do more justice.
Should it have scored a higher score, we wouldn't have been able to buy it at this low price. RP88(Parker et al.), we consistently ranked La Tour Carnet high as a humble Cru from Haut Medoc. Awarded 90 points, Wine Enthusiast commented, 'ripe and fruity, this is full of rich tannins and a soft texture. It has tight acidity, followed by a smoky, toasty character.' Stephan Tanzer commended the structure, the mid-palate and freshness.
We awarded this wine DD92 because we find it balanced, fresh, and with decent length,
Quite a sleek example, with a good sense of fleshy fruit in a relatively supple frame, this St Julien type of elegant personality is sure to be for immediate consumption. This 2002 bottle remains an attractive quintessential Pauillac, though. The reality is the 2002 Haut Batailley is challenging to come by, so this is a rare chance. Additionally, the price is reasonable as the comments are below average. Finally, of course, it could be a better vintage from Haut Batailley; however, the fruit style of 2002 is pretty preserved with this bottle. We find it pretty and agree with the Farr tasters that it is a 91-point wine.
Commenting on perceived alcohol, J Robinson says straight, 'A bit volatile and jagged. Not fine!'. Awarding it mere 87 points, RP remarks as follows. 'A reasonably successful wine for this vintage showing more of a St.-Julien elegance without the typical power of Pauillac, the wine has a dark plum/ruby colour, a slightly earthy, herb-tinged, raspberry and black currant-scented nose, silky tannins, medium body, and a pleasant finish. Drink it over the next decade. 87 Robert Parker, Wine Advocate (158), April 2005. Edited.
Neal Martin says, "Tasted blind at Farr's 2002 Bordeaux tasting. The Haut-Batailley displays a blackberry, graphite and tobacco-scented nose, which, compared to others, lacks some definition and lift. There is ripeness here but a touch of greenness too. Medium-bodied on the palate with a bitter entry, sharp, slightly aggressive tannins with chewy red fruits on the finish. Tasted October 2009.' 87Neal Martin, RobertParker.com, October 2009 Drink 2012-15. Edited.
