Château Poujeaux - Moulis-en-Médoc 2025 (Primeurs)

Owned by the Cuvelier family since 2008 (which also owns Clos Fourtet in Saint-Émilion), this vineyard—with its deep gravel soils on the Grand Poujeaux plateau—benefits not only from exceptional terroirs but also from state-of-the-art facilities. Under the guidance of Stéphane Derenoncourt, it produces one of the finest Moulis wines available, rich yet remarkably smooth.

Although omitted from the 1855 classification—since Moulis had long been a grain-growing region—this cru is nonetheless among the most renowned in the Médoc. Formerly a seigneury under the jurisdiction of Latour Saint-Maubert—later to become Château Latour—it experienced a resurgence in the 1920s under the Theil family, who consolidated the vineyard into a single 68-hectare block on the beautiful gravel terroir of Grand-Poujeaux and elevated the estate to the pinnacle of the appellation. Since 2008, it has been owned by Philippe Cuvelier, owner of Clos Fourtet (a First Growth of Saint-Émilion), who maintains the estate’s high standards of quality.

 

An iconic estate in the appellation, Poujeaux has been owned by the Cuvelier family (Clos Fourtet) since 2008. Under the leadership of its director, Christophe Labenne, advised by Stéphane Derenoncourt, the wines have steadily improved, reaching a solid level of consistency, so much so that the estate remains a benchmark in the appellation. The style leans toward finesse and elegance, which suits the wine perfectly—and it ages very well nonetheless. The most recent vintages are particularly impressive.

Poujeaux 2025 is fabulous. From the very first sip, it offers superb fruit intensity and a structure to match. Aromas of dark blue and black fruits, toasted herbs, menthol, lavender, and licorice lend the palate extraordinary depth. The opulence of the tannins further enhances this impression of intensity. Yields reached only 27 hectoliters per hectare. This, combined with a higher percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon than in most years, has resulted in a particularly powerful Poujeaux. Tasted twice. 2031–2060

A textured, balanced, and precise wine, with aromas of red currant and wild herbs on the nose. Medium-bodied, with fine, firm tannins. Well-structured, with a dense core of red fruit and a compact, long finish. Lovely spicy notes in the background.

Poujeaux 2025 reveals itself cautiously, step by step, hinting at power but also subtlety! Notes of mint and spices blend with aromas of black and red berries, complemented by a touch of graphite. The velvety character of the attack heralds a dense and powerful wine. Its velvety tannins offer appreciable vigor and are supported by the structuring character of the acidity, which ensures harmony within an unexpectedly powerful profile. The slight austerity of the tannins also contributes to the freshness and effectively extends the length of the finish. This Poujeaux stands out for its keen sense of balance and its ability to combine finesse, density, and vigor. It belongs in a class of its own: that of great wines. Now it just needs to settle in, blossom, and work to realize its extraordinary potential. Aging will help channel all of this. I can’t help but picture a brilliant teenager who needs to learn to tidy up his room! 2031–2060