Mike Saviage

9.4

Tasted blind. Dark ruby almost opaque. Black fruit notes with some wood notes and a little pepper and spice. Rich. Guessed Rhône but was surprised to see it being Cornas. Not as exotic as younger bottles of this. At peak and clearly ready for consumption. — 6 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.2

First, let me say the 07 Bordeaux vintage was largely frowned upon by professional critics. When I tasted it upon release, I had some doubts. However, I have said many times, in all difficult vintages anywhere, there are still producers that made good wine. Especially, if you give them time to evolve in bottle. This 07 has blossomed with 10 years in bottle and an absolutely perfect steak wine.

The nose reveals; smoldering ambers, dry crushed rocks, limestone minerals, ripe blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, baked strawberries, black plum, floral blueberries, dark fruit liqueur, leather, cedar to saddle-wood, dark rich soils, stones, anise, graphite, old cigar with ash, hints of mushroom, steeped tea, fresh & withering red & dark floral bouquet.

The body is beautiful with; rich, round, velvety, smooth, tarry tannins. This 07 Poujeaux is in top form with plenty of life left ahead...another 7-10years easily. The structure, tension, length and balance are nicely knitted together. It glides effortlessly over the palate. A combination of dark currants & cassis. Ripe blackberries, black cherries, black raspberries, bright cherries, baked strawberries, black plum, floral blueberries, dark fruit liqueur, dark chocolate, mocha bar, vanilla, clove, dark spice, leather, cedar to saddle-wood, dark rich soils, stones, smoldering ambers, dry crushed rocks, dry clay, limestone minerals, dry brush, anise, graphite, old cigar with ash, touch of pepper, hints of mushroom, steeped tea, beautifully, fragrant, violets, lavender, fresh & withering red & dark floral bouquet. The acidity is nicely balanced in the wine. The finish without the steak shows dusty, grainy tannins, good balance in fruit & earth, elegant, ripe fruit and persistent on the palate.

Photos of, the unassuming Chateau Poujeaux by Bordeaux standards, the rootstock & soil structure of the Poujeaux terroir, Cellar with concrete tanks & large oak vats and a wide shot of the Estate.

Producer history and notes...Chateau Poujeaux’s history can be traced back to the 16th Century. At that time, the owner of Chateau Latour, Gaston De L’Isle, owned the estate. Over the centuries, Chateau Poujeaux, like numerous Bordeaux estates has been the property of a multitude of owners.

In fact, the owner of Chateau Beychevelle Marquis François Etienne de Brassier was one of owners. Over the centuries, Chateau Poujeaux was bought, sold, split up and divided. It was not until 1921, when the Theil family became the owners of the property that all the previously divided sections were brought back together again.

The modern era for Chateau Poujeaux began more recently. It started in 2008, when Jean Theil sold Chateau Poujeaux to the Cuvelier family, who were already owners of Clos Fourtet in St. Emilion. Once the Cuvelier family purchased, Mathieu Cuvelier took charge and things changed for the better.

The winemaking facilities were modernized and the farming technique used in the vineyards of Chateau Poujeaux were also changed.

They reduced yields and began picking later, giving them riper fruit. They also moved to an organic vineyard management approach and are looking at biodynamic farming as well. All of this work in the vineyards have helped push the wine quality of the estate. You only need to open and taste some their newer vintages. You’ll notice the improvement in fruit quality and the winemaking practices.

The 68 hectare Moulis vineyard of Chateau Poujeaux is planted to 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. The terroir is gravel based soils, typical of the area as show in the above photo. The average age of the vines is close to 35 years, although some vines are older.

The debut vintage under the Cuvelier family was the 2008. At Chateau Poujeaux, they are practicing serious vineyard management with the help of Stéphane Derenoncourt, who works with numerous Bordeaux Winemakers on both banks, including the Cuvelier’s property in St. Emilion, Clos Fourtet.

Chateau Poujeaux, fruit is whole berry fermented in a combination of small stainless steel vats, oak barrels and cement tanks with a 25-day cuvaison. Chateau Poujeaux is aged in about 40% new, French oak barrels for an average of 12 months. On average, Chateau Poujeaux produces close to 25,000 cases per year. — 7 years ago

Evie Olson

9.1

Super delicate yet beautiful nose. Aromas of orange blossom & slight baked cherry, truffle with an almost potpourri quality & White pepper. The palate is textured yet elegant & fresh. — 8 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

It's Friday, and it is time for my Friday's Cabernet fix. This week it's a fabulous Israeli Cab.

Dark ruby in color with a brick rim.

Great fruity nose with black currants, blackberries, figs, smoke, licorice, oak, vanilla, sweet cherries, earth, wild flowers, graphite and black pepper.

Full bodied and smooth, with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and spicy on the palate with blackberries, black currants, sweet raspberries, cherries, dried figs, tobacco, spices, wood, licorice, peppercorn, earth, dark chocolates and espresso.

Long finish with round tannins, tangy cranberries and spices.

This is a great Cabernet from Israel. Well balanced with great complexity. Smooth and elegant already, and will get better with more time in the bottle. Showing a great mouthfeel, a spicy finish, and it still has enough acidity to make it interesting.

Needs 90 minutes to open up properly and show some tannins and complexity.

14.5% alcohol by volume. — 8 years ago

Bill Bender

9.4

Showing slight heat at first but it blew off rapidly evolving in to the tell tale SQN density and punch that draws you to the edge but doesn't push too far. Ripe dark fruit, pepper, charred wood. Beautifully textured and inviting mouthfeel. — 9 years ago

with Christanna and Lindsay

Young Bock Lee

9.9

Tons of licorice, black olive, concentrated black cherries(almost jame), well balanced oak vanilla on the nose. Med p body, med p acid(still keeps the acidity!) ,hint of red pepper spice kicks on the palate, moderate plus tannin finishes with black olive water and stewed black fig with hint of wood tannin. Need fiorentina man. Nicely aged, balanced and ready to drink wine.(can age 1 or 2 more years) — 9 years ago

Frank Kuo

9.6

Color of dark inky purple with vibrant bubbles on the rim. A bit hazy. Nose of ripe plum, black cherry jam, black currant, tobacco leaves, star anise, bacons, and nice touch of cedar wood and barrel note. Very saturated and fragrant. Taste of concentrated sweetness like vanilla and caramel, meaty bacons, herbal notes, low tannins and low acidity, jammy, velvety, and spice like black pepper. Aftertaste of dark chocolate, vanilla, spice note, smokiness, bittersweetness of grapefruit, barrel note, and lingering tasty flavors on the tongue. Normally, wine with this sweetness is not my favorite. However, this wine has so much structure and complexity that the sweetness is just one of the wonders in the tasting experience! — 9 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

This blend is delicious right out of the bottle.
Dark ruby in color with a dark red rim.

Great, full nose of wild flowers, blackberries, blueberries, black currants, raisins, cooked figs, vanilla, wood, tar, coffee and black pepper. Very much like a petite Syrah from California.

Full bodied and bold, smooth and elegant, with a great mouth feel, and long thin legs.

Fruity on the palate with blackberries, Cola, figs, black currants, vanilla, licorice, cooked plums, dark chocolate and peppercorn.

Long finish with (too) soft tannins.

46% Syrah, 25% Zinfandel, 14% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 5% Petite Syrah.

14.5% alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago

"Odedi"

9.4

Dark inky in color with a purple rim.

Gorgeous on the nose with blueberries, blackberries, figs, cooked raisins, plums, wildflowers, oak, vanilla, wood, black pepper, licorice, dark chocolate and coffee.

Big, bold, Jammy and full-bodied with great long legs.

Very fruity on the palate with figs, prunes, blackberries, black currants, sweet cherries, vanilla, American oak, dark chocolate, peppercorn and earth.

Long finish with big round tannins and lots of peppercorn.

What a great Zinfandel. Drinking well now. Great by itself or with barbecue meats.

16.5% alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

Time for my #FridayCabernetfix . Here's a beautiful one from Israel.

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Nice nose of black currants, blackberries, cherries, vanilla, earth, wood, vegetables, dark coffee, herbs, tobacco leaf, spices, graphite and peppercorn.

Full bodied and smooth with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry on the palate with blackberries, black currants, plums, bell pepper, cherries, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, dark chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, earth, black tea and spices.

Long finish with fine tannins and tangy raspberries.

This Israeli Cabernet Sauvignon is always enjoyable. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel and nice complexity. Tastes like a blend of old world and new world.

Needs 3 hours to open up properly and show its tannins and complexity, but good right out of the bottle also.

Wine Enthusiasts 90 points.

This 6 year old is very tasty now, and will age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.

Grapes are grown at a high elevation and aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. Kosher for Passover.

14.5 % alcohol by volume.

93 points.

$35. — 6 years ago

"Odedi"

8.9

Dark purple in color with a purplish rim.

Fruity nose of sweet cherries, dried fruits, coffee, vanilla, wood, plums, metals, milk chocolates, tobacco and black pepper.

Full bodied and smooth with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with plums, cherries, currants, oak, vanilla, licorice, cloves, herbs, spices, dark chocolates, vinaigrette, bitter greens, graphite and peppercorn.

Medium finish with full tannins and tangy cranberries.

This Napa Petite Sirah /Malbec blend is very enjoyable. Nicely balanced with a great mouthfeel. Shows nice complexity too.

Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up. Will be better in a year or two, but already enjoyable even by itself.

A blend of 60% Petite Sirah, 20% Malbec, 6% Cabernet Sauvignon, 6% Merlot, 5% Zinfandel and 3% Syrah.

14.8% alcohol by volume.

89 points.

$25. — 7 years ago

Liz Hale

9.0

Tasty, needed a decant. Green pepper, fennel, wood. — 7 years ago

Somm David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.4

From magnum and paired well with three different Tri-tip steaks sources and marinades.

On the nose, sweet & sour, ripe dark cherries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, some ripe, slightly rustic rhubarb with just a hint of blue fruits. Glycerin, touch of fruit liqueur, vanilla, dry stones, crushed rocks, hints of dry herbs, used leather, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, soft dark spice, underlying white pepper and dark red fresh and slightly withering florals with a touch of violets.

The palate is med and beautiful. The length, structure, tension and balance are at its peak harmony from magnum. Sweet & sour, ripe dark cherries, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, pomegranate, some ripe, slightly rustic rhubarb, burnt orange, with just a hint of blue fruits. Glycerin, touch of fruit liqueur, vanilla, dry river stones, crushed rocks, hints of dry herbs, used leather, saddle-wood, dark rich soils, limestone minerals, dry stems, more presence, soft dark spice, underlying white pepper and dark red fresh and slightly withering florals with a touch of violets and blue flowers. The acidity is waterfall perfect. The rich, ripe, fresh fruit, well balanced finish is simply beauty on steroids.

Photos of, Lopez de Heredia, Vat fermenters that are still in use and somewhere between 100-200 years of age (they repair them as needed to keep them tight), their cooperage and Maria José López de Heredia who now runs the family business. — 7 years ago

Colin McCartney

9.4

Another deep, purple beauty with graphite and rhubarb aromas....boysenberry, white pepper, and black cheery smoothly cover the palate without a hint of hotness, and slowly evolving tannins that show up right at the end to extend the finish.... — 8 years ago

Iwan

9.0

Very good and easy to drink cab. Black fruit and slight vegetal notes (green bell pepper). Soft tannins. Yum — 8 years ago

"Odedi"

9.3

Dark ruby in color with a thin purplish rim. Teeth staining color.

Great nose of blackberries, black currants, blueberries, figs, raisins, oak, vanilla, cooked cherries, licorice, cola, spices, coffee, dark chocolates and peppercorn.

Full-bodied, bold, smooth and elegant, with medium acidity and gorgeous legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with blackberries, black currants, cherries, sweet plums, dried figs, vanilla, cedar, cinnamon, licorice, earth, tar, spices and lots of peppercorn.

Long finish with firm and round tannins, spices and black pepper.

What a great Petite Syrah from Rutherford Grove. This 7 year old, Single Vineyard, is Enjoyable by itself or with a big piece of steak.

Nice and balanced, showing great complexity and layers of flavors. A great sipping wine. Drinking nicely now, and will be good in the next few years too.

Needs 4 hours to open up properly.

14.3% alcohol by volume. — 9 years ago

Matthew Davis

8.9

Framboise, cooked cherries, some cracked black pepper on the nose. Mellow fruit on palate, lingers really well, some cedar wood on the tail. — 9 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Happy Friday everyone! Let's start it off with this wonderful California Cabernet.

Deep purple/inky in color with a burgundy rim.

Still tight on the nose with blackberries, currants, figs, sweet cherries, chocolates, light vanilla, alcohol, cooked plums, smoke, licorice, wood, spices and peppercorn.

Bold and full bodied with medium plus acidity and great legs.

Fruity and dry on the palate with blackberries, figs, cherry pie, plums, black currants, chocolates, licorice, vanilla, oak, tobacco and black pepper.

Long finish with firm, green tannins, spices and light bell pepper.

A Great California Cabernet with a great mouthfeel. Still young, but already very enjoyable, yet needs 3 years to calm down.

For a California Cabernet, this doesn't have too much oak or vanilla. Almost balanced, except for the heavy tannins (which were great for me).

Will pair well with a big piece of steak. I enjoyed it just by itself.
I had the 2013 vintage not too long ago, which was already better.

14.8% alcohol by volume. — 9 years ago

"Odedi"

9.8

Dark ruby red in color with a red rim.

What a gorgeous nose, with vanilla, spices, blackberries, cherries, oak, chocolate and black pepper.

Medium + in body, smooth and elegant.

Dry and smooth on the palate with cherries, black currants, Wood, vanilla, smoke, oak, spices and black pepper.

Long finish with round smooth tannins and peppercorn.

This is an awesome wine. Eight years old and showing a great capacity to age even longer.
If it had a little less vanilla this would be a perfect score, for me. If vanilla is your thing, this is it. Great Napa Valley Cabernet.

Only 400 cases were produced on this Howell mountain Reserve. 94 points wine enthusiast.

14.4% alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago

"Odedi"

9.4

This is another great Red from Phinney's Location series, the Spanish version.

Dark inky in color with a crimson rim.

Fruity nose of blackberries, figs, cherry jam, bell pepper, strawberries, vanilla, wood, black currants and black pepper.

Full bodied, jammy and bold, with great legs.

Fruity on the palate with blackberries, blueberries, figs, cooked plums, black currants, vanilla, light vegetables, licorice, spices, cedar, some earthiness and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins.

Great wine, not very different from the AR, though, maybe a little more earthiness? Definitely Enjoyable now.

14.5% alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark ruby in color with a short reddish rim.

Extremely fruity on the nose with black cherries, black currants, dried figs, raisins, alcohol, licorice, vanilla, cedar, cloves, spices and black pepper.

Full-bodied, smooth, bold and rich, with medium acidity and long long legs.

Dry to off dry on the palate and very fruity, with black cherries, blackberries, figs, raisins, vanilla, sweet raspberries, tobacco, spices, spice box, wood and peppercorn.

Long finish with soft tannins and tangy cherries.

This is a great red blend from California. Uniquely rich, extracted and interesting. Has that Bourbon Barrel taste to it, with lots of fruits, and maybe some residual sugar. I also get some Port characteristics.

I was hoping for it to chill down by now, as a 5 year old, but it is still very vibrant and extremely fruity.

Good by itself as a sipping wine and good right out of the bottle. Might be too much for some 😉

Aged for 3 months in Bourbon Whisky barrels.

17% (OMG!) alcohol by volume.

92 points.

$25. — 6 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Deep purple in color with a short purplish rim.

Fruity nose with black currants, black plums, cooked cherries, oak, licorice, vanilla, earth, vegetables chocolates, coffee, beef jerky, bell pepper, vinaigrette, light barnyard, dust, smoke and peppercorn.

Full-bodied with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with plums, black currants, sweet raspberries, cherries, wood, licorice, bitter herbs, spices, light vegetables, dark chocolates, alcohol, graphites, earth, tobacco and peppercorn.

Long and spicy finish with fine grained tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a great Syrah from Santa Ynez Valley in California. Nicely balanced with a great mouthfeel and nice complexity.

Drinks way easier than it should, with all that alcohol, but still a little hot at the back of the throat. This is not a wine for the faint of hearts... Showing great complexity on the nose.

Needs an hour in a decanter to open up properly and remove some of the stinky nose. After an hour, it changes every 20 minutes. I love these kind of wines. Too bad it's my last bottle.

I had it 6 months ago, and it is already drinking better. Will age nicely in the next three to five years, and will probably get to 94 points.

Good by itself as a sipping wine and good with food. I paired it with Brie cheese.

A blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier. Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels (70% new).

15.7% alcohol by volume!

91 points.

$45. — 7 years ago

"Odedi"

9.1

Since this is the last Friday of the year, my Cabernet fix is going to be a little different this time.

Dark ruby in color with a short brick /orange rim.

Earthy nose of blueberries, blackberries, black currants, earth, wood, light vanilla, tobacco, peppercorn, espresso, forest floor, leather, pencil lead, light barnyard, licorice, light vanilla, bell pepper and vegetables.

Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and nice legs.

Dry and earthy on the palate with blueberries, cherries, oak, licorice, cloves, earth, wet leaves, vegetables, herbs, beef jerky, spices, dark coffee, pencil lead, green pepper, black tea and peppercorn.

Long finish with round tannins and tangy cherries.

What a wonderful Cabernet based red from Saint Estephe. Nicely balanced and very complex with a great mouthfeel. Earthy and still young, but drinking very nicely now.

Not a great vintage, but so enjoyable by itself or with food. The nose is so complex, that it's so nice just to sniff on.

Needs 3 hours to open up properly and show some tannins.

I paired it with cheeses and light appetizers.

13% alcohol by volume. — 8 years ago

Shawn Thompson

9.4

I love my Cab Franc, growing so well in Canada. Lovely aromatic nose of violets and stewed fruit with an enticing palate of roasted pepper, dried plum and a long lasting sour cherry finish. Loved it. — 8 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark inky in color with a short purple rim.

Very pronounced and fruity nose of blackberries, blackcurrants, sweet cherries, alcohol, wood, licorice, tobacco leaf, cloves, vanilla, cola, light green vegetables, earth, eucalyptus, smoke, spices and black pepper.

Full-bodied, bold, rich and jammy, with medium plus acidity and long long legs.

Dry and extremely fruity on the palate with blackberries, raspberry jam, raisins, dried figs, smoke, spices, bitter herbs, licorice, chocolates, mocha, dark coffee and peppercorn.

Long finish with soft tannins and tangy cranberries.

This is a wonderful Zinfandel from Russian River Valley in California. Balanced and enjoyable by itself, with a great mouthfeel. Spicy with nice complexity. The tangy ending makes it interesting. Showing a very generous nose, that is very enjoyable just to sniff on.

Drinking very nicely now, similar to the Caymus style of wine.

Good right out of the bottle and better as it opens up (60 minutes.)

A good food wine too, that would pair nicely with burgers. I paired it with good music all by itself.

Aged for 18 months in French oak barrels. A very small production of only 55 cases.

This Single Vineyard Zinfandel is delicious

14.5% alcohol by volume.
$32 — 8 years ago

Shawn Thompson

9.0

Velvety smooth with blackberry and violets on the nose. Tannic, full bodied with a stewed plum and white pepper palate. — 9 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Let's welcome the weekend with this wonderful Merlot.

Deep red in color with medium intensity and a pink/ red rim.

Fruity on the nose with blackberries, blueberries, plums, cherries, oak, vanilla, green pepper, licorice, black pepper, chocolates, light smoke and spices.

Full bodied, smooth and elegant, with great legs and medium acidity.

Fruity on the palate with blueberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, chocolates, tobacco, wood, vanilla, coffee, licorice, cloves, spices and peppercorn.

A very long finish, with cloves, firm tannins and black pepper.

This is a Great Merlot from Spring Mountain, Napa Valley. Had it blind, and I called a 2012 Napa Cabernet. I was off by varietal, but that is what one can expect from it, a Napa Cab.

Needs a couple of years to tone down on the green pepper, Otherwise, nicely balanced and enjoyable by itself or with a big piece of steak.
Thank you, Mike, for sharing.

14.8% alcohol by volume. — 9 years ago

"Odedi"

9.2

Dark inky color with a purplish rim.

Oaky nose with plums, blackberries, wood, vanilla, vanilla, vanilla (did I say vanilla?), earth, spices and black pepper.

Full bodied, smooth and bold with nice legs.

Fruity on the palate with blackberries, figs, cherries, plums, earth, oak, vanilla, dirt and peppercorn.

Nice finish with big tanning and black pepper.

Awesome wine with a great mouth feel, that can be enjoyed by itself. I paired it with Parmesan cheese, crackers and great company. Drinkable now, but will be even better in 3 to 5 years.

A blend of 60% Monastrell, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Syrah. Each was fermented individually, and then aged for 18 months separately, in new French and American oak barrels. After blending, it sat for over a month in steel tanks before bottling.

15.5% (Wow!) Alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago

Young Bock Lee

10

concentrated aromas. Deep, concentrated, balanced aromas of black fruit, wood, spices. Dried black plum fruit, hint of tabacco, spice(black pepper) followed by medium plus acid and structure. (more structure, spicier than fruitier). Very versatile wine. Can be drink fresh but it also can be aged. Good wine for restaurant. — 10 years ago

"Odedi"

9.6

This is an awesome Chilean Cabernet. Oh my, what a treat.
This is a gorgeous one, 5 years old, yet, Still young, but already vibrant.

Dark ruby in color with a purplish rim.

Big nose of vanilla, oak, cherries, blackberries, blueberries, earth, licorice, vanilla, leather and black pepper.

Dry on the palate with dried figs, wood, vanilla, earth, blueberries, blackberries, and spices.

Full-bodied and elegant with gorgeous legs.

Long, long finish with big, ripe tannins and peppercorn.

This 2010 vintage was a little cooler and thus provides more of a fresh feel on the palate.

97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Cabernet Franc. Aged for 15 months in French oak. Will be even better in 3 to 5 years.

14.5% alcohol by volume. — 10 years ago