Potensac Médoc 2016

94 points James Suckling: "Suave aromas of cedar and fresh red flowers with a thread of ripe red berries and blackcurrants, mulberries, coal smoke and cool stones. The palate delivers a wealth of rich red-fruit flavors, framed in sleek tannins that build with precision and length. A class act. One of the best from here in the modern era. Try from 2023. (1/18/19)"

93 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "With 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2016 Potensac is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It charges out of the gate with bold cassis, blackberry pie, and chocolate mint notes, plus hints of pencil shavings and black olives. Medium to full-bodied, the palate offers taut, muscular fruit with a firm frame of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness, finishing long. Alcohol 14.1%. Drink: 2023-2039. (12/8/22)"

93 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep dark ruby, opaque core, discreet brightening on the rim. Dark berry fruit with fine tobacco notes, a hint of cassis and tangerine zest in the background. Full-bodied, round and elegant, pleasant fruit sweetness, integrated, supporting tannins, savoury with delicate nougat on the finish. Showing development, but still with ageing potential. (5/24/17)"

92 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2016 Potensac has a ripe, pure-fruit-driven bouquet of black cherries and bilberry fruit, developing lovely floral aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe black fruit and fine mineralité. There is a subtle marine influence at play toward the finish, and a dash of white pepper on the aftertaste. Enjoyable. Tasted blind at the Southwold tasting. Drink: 2020-2036. (Jan 2020)"

92 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2016 Potensac is a huge overachiever. Succulent black cherry, plum, spice, leather, licorice and lavender flesh out in this striking, deeply flavored Médoc. Inky, racy and super-expressive, the 2016 is a wine of pure and total seduction. Jean-Hubert Delon's entire portfolio is impressive in 2016, but the wines from Potensac are especially of note. Tasted two times. Drink: 2021-2036. (Jan 2019)"

92 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The blend in Potensac this year is 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc and 2% Petit Verdot. The élevage lasted 12 months, in 30% new oak. It presents wonderfully lifted and charming scents of red cherry skins on the nose, with little touches of crushed red plum and vanilla. A very classic style, with a lightly juicy medium-bodied presence on the palate underpinned by traditionally firm tannins. There is fine savoury fruit substance here, and great energy too. A real charmer, with a long and energetic finish, but it will please Médoc classicists too. (Dec 2018)"

92 points La Revue du Vin de France (Jan 2022).

91+ points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "Is the 2016 Potensac this estate's finest vintage to date? Certainly, its compelling bouquet of cassis and pencil shavings and it's seamless, beautifully balanced palate make a strong case. Medium to full-bodied, deep and concentrated, with beautifully refined tannins, lively acids and a long, penetrating finish, this is built to age with style, yet it is also quite accessible at this early stage for a young Potensac. Drink: 2025-2045. (8/11/22)"

91 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Another sleeper is the 2016 Château de Potensac, which is 44% Merlot, 39% Cabernet Sauvignon, and the rest Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, all aged 14 months in 30% new French oak. This beauty is upfront and ready to go, with a dark, rich bouquet of currants, unsmoked tobacco, graphite, and earth. With beautiful concentration and a layered, elegant texture, it’s one of those wines that has ample upfront appeal yet will keep for 15+ years. Drink: 2019-2034. (2/28/19)"

90 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "This is such classic Médoc - the freshness is clear, perfectly underpinning the crunchy red and black berry fruits. It's super-seductive and easy to drink despite being closed right now, as you would expect at this stage, but the weight of tannins suggests that it will open back up fairly swiftly, and a second bottle I tasted was even more juicy. 2% Petit Verdot completes the blend. Drinking Window: 2022-2036. (10/07/18)"

90 points Wine Spectator: "Pepper, savory and bay leaf notes lead the way, with a core of medium-weight cassis and cherry flavors. A tobacco hint and chalky minerality extend the finish, which has a pleasant austerity. A touch reticent in style, but will age well. Best from 2020 through 2028. (3/31/18)"