Chateau Potensac is named for its location on top of the Potensac plateau. Owned by the Delon Family the estate is planted with an unusually high proportion of Merlot for the area, the aim being to produce a softer, more approachable wine. The wine is made by the same team as Leoville Las Cases, and aged for 14-16 months in old French oak barrels previously used for the Clos du Marquis.

Earthy, structured wine, lifted by cassis fruit. Loam, wet leaves and tobacco flavours mingle with red fruit on the palate. Still very youthful.

Robust dishes; winter stews and game.

Excellent value; one for laying down until about 2019; it will improve until 2029.