2018 Château Potensac

The 2018 Château Potensac is a finely balanced Médoc from a warm, generous vintage, blending 45% Merlot, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc, and a touch (1%) of Petit Verdot.  On the nose, it opens with vibrant black and red fruit — think juicy plums, blackcurrant, and boysenberry — layered with herbs like sage and bay leaf, as well as a subtle note of dusty soil and cracked pepper.  There’s also a whisper of toasted oak and a hint of cinnamon or dried herbs that gives the wine a nostalgic, earthy edge.

On the palate, the wine is medium-to-full bodied, with lively freshness and soft but firm tannins. The fruit core — dark berry, plum, and cassis — is well supported by a racy line of acidity and polished oak, making the texture both plush and structured.  There’s a savory undercurrent of tobacco, cedar, and graphite, giving the wine depth and classical Médoc character.  The finish is long, lively, and energetic — not shy, but not overblown either. 

The 2018 Potensac has earned strong ratings:

• James Suckling: 94 points, praising its polished, refined tannins, compact structure, and length.  
• Jeb Dunnuck: 93 points, noting its rich concentration, dark fruit, toasty oak, tobacco, and the potential to evolve over 5–7 years (and cellar for much longer).  
• Wine Spectator: 92 points, highlighting direct cherry and plum fruit with a touch of tobacco and toast.  
• Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate (Lisa Perrotti‑Brown): 90–92 points, describing a lush, fruit-forward blend with crisp energy, soft tannins, and a harmonious, long finish.  
• Natalie MacLean: 93 points, calling it fragrant and supple, with structured tannins and excellent acidity that balances smoky, herbal, and black fruit notes.  

Overall, the 2018 Potensac delivers a compelling mix of richness and clarity: a serious Médoc wine that feels grounded in tradition, yet shows the sun-drenched generosity of the vintage. It’s drinkable now with some aeration or cellaring through the 2020s for further refinement.

Local pickup only - Dayton, OH