Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve: Noble notes of red fruit, mostly cassis; this barrel sample is very precise in its balance, texture and terroir, combining aromatic finesse and structure with a harmony that is exactly what we expect from this property. It’s been quite a while since they’ve made a wine this good. 17

Michael Schuster: A classy nose of fine, ripe plum and mineral fruit; very nicely balanced, rich middleweight, with a fine, dry tannin and fresh acidity; harmonious, no excess; generous, ripe fruit within a very ripe tannin texture; a most attractive, gentle fleshiness, combined with ripeness, subtle minerality, and fresh definition; quite complex, and with very good length. Great success. A fine, refined, and complete Poujeaux. Going from strength to strength under the new owners, the Cuveliers of Clos Fourtet, and with Stéphane Derenoncourt advising. 2015–25+. 15.5/16+