Owned by Jean-Hubert Delon (the proprietor of Leoville Las Cases and Nenin), the vineyards of Potensac are located in Ordonnac, in the Médoc appellation. The terroir has the familiar alluvial gravel of the left bank with some red clay, and the vines cover about 53 hectares. 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 . 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, with about 40-45% of the crop going to the second wine.
Potensac will see up to 16 months in those aforementioned oak barrels, before an egg white fining and then bottling without filtration.
Youthful hue, the nose is quite attractive with dark berries, wood dust, cherry, fruit stones and cassis. A cool style, quite well textured, good tannic grip, but it is in keeping with the rest of the wine. Lengthy, classy finish.
