Château Poujeaux 2002

Like many of its peers, the 2002 is in a dormant, muted state, but attractive notes of cassis, cherries, pain grille are discernable in this medium-bodied, elegant, traditionally-styled Bordeaux. It will handsomely repay 2-3 years of cellaring, and keep through the following decade.

This shows good blackberry, spice and licorice character on the nose. Medium-bodied, with good tannins and a fresh finish. Lively wine. Best after 2007.

A big, generous wine, with sweet black fruit flavors that show well with the acidity and the fresh, open tannins. For a wine from 2002, this has richness and good ripe flavors. There is depth as well as power, and this can certainly be counted one of the success stories of 2002.

Medium-dark ruby, subtly lighter at the rim. Peppery cherry bouquet, floral Cabernet notes, layered and aromatic, with a discreet aeration note. An elongated palate, supported by an intense tannin-and-acidity framework, still a touch firm in the extract, hints of wild berries, leaning more toward red berries, finishing with fine tobacco notes. Not fully convincing at the moment despite good potential.

03: Medium-dark ruby, subtly lighter at the rim. Peppery cherry bouquet with floral Cabernet notes, multilayered and aromatic, with a discreet airy note. The palate is drawn out, supported by an intense tannin-and-acid profile; the extract is still a bit firm, with hints of forest berries, finishing again more on red berries with fine tobacco notes. Not fully convincing at the moment, despite good potential. (17/20). 12: Dark ruby with a garnet sheen. The nose suggests a floral Cabernet: dark roses, red plum skins. Quite full and pleasant on the palate, with a certain underlying backbone. Very good value and a solid business-lunch choice.

Lovely color. A lovely nose, fruity and fresh, with animal notes, pure, a little austere. I was expecting a bit more richness on the palate. The wine is fruity, still fresh, with a medium body. Well-structured tannins. Medium length.