Medium ruby with a tight garnet rim, 2009 Poujeaux recalls some complexities(60% cabernet sauvignon, 35% merlot, 5% Petit Verdot, 5% cabernet franc) and 'class' of some excellent crus: inks, lead pencil, graphite, dark fruit(blackcurrants), tones of classy new oak, minerals and tones of animal and game below the lurking dark fruit. The chalky finish gives structure and exceptional grip. Medium-bodied, good length, rounded tannins. Certain sophistication sets this 2009 Poujeaux apart from other humble Cru Bourgeois. Scores are of a high standard in the 92 range, with jS95 as well.
J95 points James Suckling
Stunning nose of cassis, plum and bitter chocolate. Real concentration and a great balance of ripeness, fine tannins and bright acidity drive the complex finish at an astonishing clip. Delicious now, but it will hold. (2/2019). Editrd.
92 points Decanter
I would recommend getting hold of this wine to drink now. It has a lovely signature Moulis-Médoc character of juicy black fruits and nicely worked tannins. It's well balanced, with good freshness and the beginnings of a cigar box and leather. No need to wait to drink this. (JA) (2/2019). EDited
92 points Jeb Dunnuck
Pretty tobacco, damp earth, cedar, leafy herbs, and darker fruits emerge from the 2009 Château Poujeaux, a rich, medium-bodied, impressively concentrated Moulis. With rocking mid-palate depth and sweet tannins, drink this seductive 2009 over the coming decade. (11/2020). Edited.
92 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
Bright ruby-red. Cassis, blueberry, graphite and smoky oak aromas are lifted by a floral element. Broad, rich and enveloping, with a restrained sweetness to the pliant flavours of dark berries, spices and graphite. Layered, minerally and long, with firm, building tannins coating the front teeth. Has splendid density and texture for Moulis wine and a great vintage for Poujeaux. This large chateau, among the finest properties in Moulis, was purchased in 2008 by Philippe Cuvelier, who also owns Clos Fourtet. The same team of manager Nicolas Thienpont and enologist Stephane Derenoncourt was responsible for superb 2009s at both estates. (ST) (7/2012)
92 points Wine Enthusiast
Power and structure over extremely juicy fruits, with black plum skins, spice from wood and a firm underlay. (RV) (8/2010)
This is an ultra-modern and extracted international-style Riojas from the famous Torres Muga. Powerful, intense and very lively, anxious to please from the start. The almost perfect mingling of red-berry fruit(high altitude) and toasted oak aromas on the nose, with the fruit coming to the fore in the mouth and rounding off a supple, balanced overall effect. THe finish is textured and balanced, with racy acidity and flavours of liquorice, blackberry and vanilla, this wine contrasts significantly with the more traditional Riojas, such as their Reserva and Prado Enea. With powerful aromas of red and black cherries and vanilla, cedar and mushroom notes, this wine also shows a bit of the overripe notes of the Torre Muga. These overripe accents are skillfully balanced on the palate by red, tangy fruits in a reasonably lengthy finish. Drink now or over the next five or so years.
The philosophy behind Torre Muga is to make small batches of modern wine using a very traditional blend of Rioja varietals and classic techniques. Only the best grapes from the winery are used, and they undergo an intense selection process on the triage table after harvest. Following fermentation in oak vats, the wine aged for six months in wooden vats, 18 months in new French Allier oak barrels, and 12 months in bottles. Finally, it is fined with egg whites and bottled unfiltered.
We all love this wine. The scores are reasonably good, such as:
94 points James Suckling
This was the only red Muga made in 2018, and the wines from the best vineyards went into the blend. In other words, top vineyards were declassified. Medium-bodied with excellent tannins that are caressing and refined. Plenty of subtle berries, chocolate and walnuts. Tempranillo with garnacha, mazuelo and graciano. (8/2021). Edited.
91 points Jeb Dunnuck
The 2018 Muga Reserva is a similar blend and has pretty, slightly fresher notes of darker, almost blue fruits, violets, spring flowers, and cedary oak. More medium-bodied on the palate, it shows the fresher, elegant vintage style, has beautiful tannins, no hard edges, and great length on the finish. (6/2022). Edited.
Of superb construction, it has the density of a great year, wonderfully fruity aromas in the finale, excellent, but needs ageing. From 70% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine represents 50% of the crop. Drink this young, as it will be best in its first 7-8 years—right time. The bottle gives 13.5% ABV and tastes plummy; on the palate, it chocolaty, toasty, earthy and is round with a spicy finish. Bodied.
WE89. This wine is all fruity, juicy Merlot. It's soft, rounded and ripe with flavours of berries and dark plums to give richness. Drink soon, from 2018.
The score is relatively low, but that is good news for the drinkers as that reflects in the wine's high cost-performance.
