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Château Potensac

Originally in the ownership of the Liquard family, Château Potensac came to the current proprietors with the marriage of Paul Delon to the Liquard's daughter. It is perhaps unsurprising that under the direction of the Delon family, responsibility having passed from Paul Delon and his wife to their son Michel Delon in the 1970s, that Potensac should prosper. The name of Delon is of course much better known for the ownership of more illustrious estates especially Léoville-Las Cases, in St Julien, but also Nenin, in Pomerol. Under the Delon family's tenure - today it is Michel's son Jean-Hubert that runs the business following the death of Michel in 2000 - there has been a refurbishment of the chai with new stainless steel fermentation equipment, and there is never any shortage of good quality barrels for the élevage; perhaps up to 30% is new first year oak, but the rest are trucked over from the aforementioned Léoville-Las Cases after seeing out one vintage there.

The vineyards of Potensac are located in Ordonnac, in the Médoc appellation, and incorporate the vines of three properties managed as a single entity, these being Potensac, Gallais-Bellevue and Lassalle. The terroir has the familiar alluvial gravel of the left bank with some red clay, and the vines cover about 53 hectares in all, located between St-Yzans and St-Germain-d'Esteuil. During recent decades the vineyard has been slightly dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon which accounts for about 60% of the vines, with approximately 25% Merlot and 15% Cabernet Franc in addition, planted at an average 8000 vines/ha. But with the purchase of new Merlot vines there is naturally a swing towards this variety, and it is notable that the 2005 vintage included more Merlot than Cabernet (41% Merlot, 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc) in the final blend. Yields are restricted to approximately 35 hl/ha, and once harvested by hand the fruit is fermented at a maximum temperature of 28ºC in stainless steels and concrete vats, with 15 to 18 days maceration and constant pumping over. There is a rigorous selection for the grand vin Château Potensac, with about 40-45% of the crop going to the second wine, which today is bottled as La Chapelle de Potensac, although Château Lassalle has also been used as a second label in the past. Potensac will see up to 16 months in those aforementioned oak barrels, before an egg white fining and then bottling without filtration. The production typically amounts to 25000 cases per year.

Like Sociando-Mallet, Potensac is yet another château which illustrates the defunct nature of the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. Potensac regularly turns out wines of classed growth quality, but has only a Cru Bourgeois designation, although in the Cru Bourgeois classification of in 2003 (which subsequently collapsed following a legal challenge), it was accorded Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel status, a short-lived recognition of the quality to be found here. There are many reasons why Potensac is so successful, but like all great wines the success has its roots in the vineyard, and of course with the expertise of the proprietors; Jean-Hubert Delon is the latest generation in a vinous dynasty that have shown their quality time and time again in Bordeaux, and their wines are frequently worth seeking out. They are not, however, wines produced in the charming, seductive, ripe or fleshy mould. Potensac is certainly a more classic, firmer, structured and perhaps even angular wine at times, and this is despite operations in the cellar being under the directions of Pierre Rolland, brother to the renowned oenologist Michel Rolland whose name is certainly not associated with an austere style of wine. Nevertheless, like many wines of the region, regardless of its 'lowly' status, it cries out for time in the cellar, and when finally opened it demands to be drunk with food, as do so many of the valued wines of Bordeaux. (26/6/02, updated 8/8/07)

Contact details:
Address: Château Potensac, 33340 Ordonnac
Telephone: +33 (0) 5 56 73 25 26
Fax: +33 (0) 5 56 59 18 33
Internet: www.potensac.com
GPS: 45.307408, -0.859024

Château Potensac - Tasting Notes

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Château Potensac (Médoc) 2010: Harvest was September 27th to October 9th. The blend here is 42% Merlot, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, a dramatic 21% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. Alcohol 13.6%, pH 3.55, IPT 80. This sample has a bright and smoky black-cherry nose, with a bright perfume reflecting the Cabernet Franc component quite nicely I think. Rather sweet in character. Despite this there is a crunchy edge to the fruit character on the palate, the lifted fruit narrowing down into a rather solid style in the middle. A substantial structure, with not a lot of flesh here, juicy but not living up to the rather domineering tannins that it possesses. From my Bordeaux 2010 primeur assessment. 14.5-15.5/20 (April 2011)

Chapelle de Potensac (Médoc) 2010: Harvest as for Potensac. The blend here is 56% Merlot, 31% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot. Alcohol 13.2%, pH 3.52, IPT 66. A vibrant colour. Attractive fruit on the nose, showing a lively well-defined and lightly crunchy, if rather sooty character. Rather soft and straightforward in the beginning, with a little more bright fruit in the midpalate. Quite soft and juicy in terms of fruit structure, with not a lot of great presence. Nicely fresh acids though, and a well-judged grip, which lingers a little on the finish. From my Bordeaux 2010 primeur assessment. 14-15/20 (April 2011)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2009: Merlot 48%, Cabernet Sauvignon 38%, Cabernet Franc 14%. Brighter fruit here than with Chapelle, tightly defined cherries, and it has some appeal. On the palate lots of soft texture. Underneath this some soft grippy tannin, good vigour too though, and brighter acidity than anticipated. There is a sense of definition here which is better than I expected in view of the Merlot content, although I would not say it is a great Potensac. And there is a seam of overt alcohol on the nose too. From my 2009 Bordeaux primeur assessment. 15-16+/20 (March 2010)

Chapelle de Potensac (Médoc) 2009: The second wine of Potensac, in 2009 this is 65% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Cabernet Franc. the nose here is not very expressive. The palate has a very simple composition, with lots of straightforward fruit, surrounded by a wall of ripe tannin. Moderate acidity at best, supple fruit, uncomplicated. Piles more tannin in the finish though. Decent at best. From my 2009 Bordeaux primeur assessment. 14-15/20 (March 2010)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2008: This is certainly superior to Chapelle, which was tasted first. There are more profound aromatics, with dark cherry and plum notes. More fleshy in the start, with good substance, and a nicely balanced tannin core. Good character, body, acid and integration. A nice effort for Potensac. From my 2008 Bordeaux primeur assessment. 16-17+/20 (April 2009)

Chapelle de Potensac (Médoc) 2008: The second wine of Potensac. Cherry fruit with a dark character on the nose. Nicely textured, quite a firm backbone of tannin, with nice aromatic fruit like that on the nose. Approachable although in a very firm style. Decent for what it is. From my 2008 Bordeaux primeur assessment. 14.5-15.5+/20 (April 2009)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2007: A little more perfume here, and dark fruits. Firm character, but a touch sweeter with a more flattering start than the Chapelle, the second wine. Rounded, a little creamy flesh, but with tannins ripe and firm showing in the midpalate. Firmly structure. Could be good with time. From my 2007 Bordeaux en primeur assessment. 14.5-15.5+/20 (April 2008)

Chapelle de Potensac (Médoc) 2007: The second wine of Potensac. A little less aromatic than the grand vin, subtle fruit and new oak here, although there was only 10% used. It seems quite apparent despite that. A nice entry, midpalate tannins, without the flesh to cover them. Very overt structure and some unwelcome austerity. From my 2007 Bordeaux en primeur assessment. 12-13+/20 (April 2008)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2006: This is a blend of 46% Merlot, 42% Cabernet Sauvignon and 11% Cabernet Franc. The fermentation is at a maximum temperature of 28°C in both stainless steel and concrete vats with up to 18 days of maceration, followed by up to 16 months in barrel (up to 30% new). Dark and concentrated, smoky, still with some oak-related elements here, touches of bacon fat and smoke too. Lots of youthful substance. A good layer of fruit too, very solid in terms of composition. It doesn't seem very 'old school' (which is how I tend to think of Potensac), there is more flesh and substance here than there used to be. Good potential. From a Sainsbury's tasting. 15.5+/20 (October 2010)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2005: Gently perfumed and rather chalky character on the nose, with some certain appeal. A rather hard character on the palate, with very linear qualities to the texture, and a leaner substance than some wines, Nevertheless it is bright and nicely structured, and there is a juicy, sappy substance to it that suggests this may come around with time. From a 2005 Bordeaux tasting at four years of age. 16.5+/20 (November 2009)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2004: Youthful hue, quite attractive, although this isn't matched on the nose which is quite closed down, with just a suggestion of some dark fruits when the wine is worked hard. A cool style, quite well textured, good tannic grip, but it is in keeping with the rest of the wine. An admirable style with good potential. 16.5+/20 (December 2006)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2003: A youthful, glossy, cherry-red hue. Rather earthy, deeply organic nose, not particularly open. Seems a little hot here, with some baked fruit alongside the notes of undergrowth. A huge amount of tannin, round and firm structure, quite an attractive flesh though, but the tannins dominate in a severe fashion. Belies the vintage quite transparently. 15.5/20 (December 2006)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 2002: Quite a dense hue here, deep red-black out to the rim. The nose is restrained rather than exuberant but does give aromas of black cherries with a very slight, subtle, meaty, feral, organic, iron-tinged, high-toned edge. A mid-weight palate in keeping with the vintage, very borderline in terms of midpalate concentration at first but with a little air it seemed to flesh out somewhat. What surprised most was although it has a austere and very dry character, perhaps part 2002 and part Potensac, it seems ripe and the tannins are nicely covered although they certainly give a bit of grip underneath it all, and overall it was quite approachable. It lacks texture and stuffing, so not for those that desire that style of wine, and it is a little hot and bitter at the finish, although there is plenty of flavour here too. Nicer than I had hoped in view of the vintage's reputation. 15.5-16+/20 (August 2007)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1996: A very dark, mature, but still a remarkably rich, claretty hue here. The nose stats off with a tinge of toffee, and a soft-focus style, but it tightens up nicely with a couple of hours in the decanter, It maintains a very taut and rather lean style though, showing stony black fruit, lightly perfumed, more so with time, with more intensity later. A firm and stony palate on entry, and this is maintained through the midpalate, with lots of dry tannin here, grippy with plenty of structure, the body of the wine fairly lean, giving it a rather bruising feel overall. An appealing austerity and reserve to the structure, with slightly more welcoming substance towards the end of the palate, giving a little flesh to the wine. A little substance and smoke here, but also with that firm, tight, bitter character. I'm not sure this has moved on much from my last tasting, and in fact seems a touch more disjointed. Time to drink up? For you, quite probably. But I've one bottle left, and I will hang on and see what happens to it. From my 1996 Vintage Fifteen Years On tasting. 16/20 (December 2011)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1996: A dark, claretty hue, with a cherry red rim. The nose is dark, smoky, with crisply bright yet deep, meaty fruit. More of the same on the palate, where the fruit has a precise, admirable presence with a warm, roasted yet fresh style. This has a very well defined structure, very upright, classic in nature, with a fine grip beneath. There is some bitterness to the fruit, which adds a delightful complexity. This is really very good indeed. I have a few more in the cellar, and I think these would benefit from being left a few years yet. From a 1996 Cru Bourgeois tasting. 17+/20 (April 2007)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1996: A small slug of dark sediment. Decanted for one hour. Nice glossy hue, showing little in the way of significant age. Classic left bank Cabernet nose; mineral and gravelly, although still with a hint of the smoky-sweet blackcurrant fruit of youth. Lovely presence on the palate; refined, structured, quite upright, but not austere. The firm tannins that are present are countered by a trace of extract, the end result being a finely balanced, gentle cotton-like texture laid over the structure. Fairly short finish. Very good indeed. Will improve over the next 5-8 years. 17+/20 (June 2005)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1996: A good and deep colour when poured, and although initially quite mute and ungiving, this wine quickly opens out to display some real class and breed. The nose carries aromas of cedar, fresh and crunchy blackcurrant fruit, minerals and stones, cloves and star anise, and a twist of liquorice. The palate has a firm, hard texture, backed up by plenty of ripe tannins, with a pile of restrained fruit, and more spice and clove character. There's a delightful weight, although this needs a little time in the glass to develop, and correct acidity. A delicious wine, with plenty of potential. 17+/20 (June 2002)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1995: Plentiful sediment; predominantly stained potassium tartrate crystals. Decanted for one hour - it really needed longer. Deeply coloured core, fading to a pink-red rim, but not showing much sign of age. Very closed at first, in contrast to how it was three years ago. It opens up to offer aromas of warm blackcurrant fruit, stones baked by a hot sun, with a gentle twist of liquorice. Showing a little texture on entry, with medium body, with plenty of spicy grip pervading the midpalate and finish. Nicely balanced, although very firm, in fact somewhat austere. Grippy finish. Still on the way up. Leave for 2-3 years. 16.5+/20 (June 2005)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1995: A promising red-black hue in the glass. Great interest on the nose, with red and dark black fruits, and cedary oriental spices. Just moderate weight on the palate, although there is a pleasing texture, not quite creamy, but also a fairly hard, tannic edge on the endpalate. This is matched by a good quantity of fruit, and good acidity. Drinking well now with food, although still a little fierce alone. Within a few hours this wine really closed down, so it is not a wine to leave too long in the glass! Will drink well for 7-10 years. From a Cru Bourgeois tasting. 16.5+/20 (April 2002)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1994: No sediment of note; just a few lurking tartrate crystals. Mature, claretty nose. Showing iron filings, gravelly style. A touch of elegance here. Moderate weight at best. Still some grippy tannin lurking in the background, but with some air this wine developed an harmonious integration, with lovely balance, and a nice, seamless, delicate texture. Very good development since last tasted, but still room for improvement here. Needs another 3-4 years. 16+/20 (June 2005)

Château Potensac (Médoc) 1994: A moderately deep red-purple hue. The nose holds great promise - smoky bacon-fat mixed with lean blackcurrant fruit, cedary hints and unobtrusive oak. Develops slightly sweaty, pencil-lead notes with aeration. Light to medium bodied, with soft tannins and moderate acidity. Smoky, with good fruit. The finish is unremarkable, and there is little length. The tannins become more evident with the end-palate. Good claret for drinking now or short-term keeping. A bargain from a 20%-off promotion. 16+/20 (July 2000)