Chateau Branas Grand Poujeaux 2010

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Soft textures, round tannins and a blast of licorice, smoke, espresso bean and black cherries carry through from start to finish. An hour or so in the decanter helps. Still young, this will be better in a few years. One of the better wines from Moulis and it sells for fair price too! The wine was made from blending 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot."

ANTONIO GALLONI: "The 2010 Branas Grand Poujeaux has a ripe and generous bouquet with a mélange of red and black fruit, undergrowth and sandalwood scents. I appreciate the purity here. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins. Good weight with strong graphite notes towards the finish. Out of barrel this came across as a tad over-ripe - it seems to have done a volte-face and almost resembles an archetypal “Englishman’s Claret”! Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal."

WEINWISSER: "Sattes Purpur-Granat. Geniales Bouquet, reife Pflaumen, ein Hauch Dörrfrüchte, reife Bananen, fast buttrig im Ansatz. Im Gaumen opulent, im Innern mit dezent bitterer Schwarzschokonote."

WINESPECTATOR: "Creamy-textured, but not lush, as a charcoal thread keeps the enticing plum sauce, blackberry coulis and steeped currant notes from being too flattering. A singed cedar note holds the finish together, while an alluring smoky edge lingers. Drink now through 2022. 3,000 cases made."

WINE ENTHUSIAST: "From a 30-acre property next to Château Chasse-Spleen, this 2010 is solid, dark and rich, typical of the vintage. There is a veneer of smooth new wood that opens to reveal firm, solid tannins. This is big, structured and ready for long-term aging."