I had an '82 Poujeaux a couple months ago. What a beautiful classic, and has aged so effortlessly. I have always adored this estate.
It reputedly went rogue in the 2008 vintage, bringing in Derenoncourt as its winemaking consultant. I bought a few 2009s without knowing that, and tonight is my first try. Major fail. Another movement toward later picking of fruit and what appears to be more lavish use of new oak. I do not know exactly what the oak regime was in pre-Derenoncourt Poujeaux, but never have I picked up so much toast, oak spice and coffee in a Poujeaux. The fruit profile is all dark. The wine is hot, easily mid-14+ percent. DTM. (75 pts.)
Funny that this morning I bought some more 1990 Chateau La Louviere. Another classic stalwart. And then I did some reading on the estate off Leve’s website, and none other than the Purple Monster himself, Rolland, has taken over in 2013. Amazing to me, so now we have La Louviere, in addition to Figeac and Conseillante, going to the dark side recently. And Meyney from 2005 forward. Really sad developments when such classic estates with beautiful, unique profiles, have turned toward a ubiquitous, international style.
Major bummer. Glad I still have my Chinons . . . .
I have a 2010 Olga Raffault Chinon Les Picasses open as well. Get this, day four. First two days hard as nails, opened like a flower on day three. Day four alive. This is an ager and a worthy purchase. Kills the Poujeaux.
Talk about a downer! For certain palates (i.e. those with good taste and Chinon lovers ), the Rollandization of Bordeaux is the single biggest wine travesty since Megapurple. I had heard about Poujeaux, but not Louviere and Lanessan!
I had the '10 about 6mos ago which was clearly modern and surprisingly drinkable. What other '10s are drinkable now? I’m a little more tolerant of the modern style but don’t think that means I like the modern monsters like Pavie and prefer a more classic style.
Btw - the '95 is excellent and quite reasonable in price, as is '89 and '90 Meyney.
In all candor, 2014 was likely my final year buying new release Bordeaux as I like them with age on them. I’m 50. Have been doing some nice backfilling these last few years.