The 2019 Potensac is a very elegant, refined wine. Medium in body yet wonderfully persistent, the 2019 is showing beautifully today. A backbone of tannin gives Potensac a feeling of energy that is quite appealing. Hints of lavender, dried flowers, spice and leather add layers of aromatic intrigue.

The 2019 Potensac was harvested from 21 September to 9 October, raised in 34% new oak. Wild strawberry and raspberry preserve aromas make an impact on the nose that storms from the glass, a touch of pencil box in the background. The palate is well balanced with fine grain tannins, plenty of sappy red fruit that segues into darker fruit towards the strict finish. This is a "correct" Potensac, very linear in style with pleasing length.

Always a dependable bottling, the 2019 Potensac opens in the glass with aromas of dark berries, cherries and pencil shavings. Medium to full-bodied, fleshy and nicely concentrated, with lively acids and powdery tannins, the vintage has made for an unusually polished Potensac that will offer a broad drinking window.

Tasted blind. Light nose. Really quite severe tannins at this stage and a slight concern about the sufficiency of the fruit. Or is it just ambitious? Richer than some of its peers! Sebastian Payne MW’s ‘breakfast claret’. (JR)