Château Branas Grand Poujeaux

Château Branas Grand Poujeaux lies in Moulis-en Médoc, a less well-known corner of the Médoc on the Left Bank between Margaux and St-Julien. It has an enviable position next to Châteaux Poujeaux and Chasse-Spleen. Although it has remained relatively unknown, critics like the Wine Advocate’s Neal Martin have labelled it “one to watch” and it’s fast becoming a Lay & Wheeler favourite, so this won’t be the case for long. Branas Grand Poujeaux is, in Bordeaux terms, a relative newcomer to the Bordeaux scene; Justin Onclin and Carmen Onclin-Paqueron purchased the run-down property in 2002, and Hubert de Boüard of Château Angélus has been the consultant here since 2012. They have systematically replanted the vineyards and renovated the winery, including installing a brand new gravity-fed cellar. With just 12 hectares of vines, it’s one of the smallest estates in the appellation, but the quality here is clear. The vines are sectioned into parcels, planted to maximise the potential of the gravel soils of the Poujeaux plateau. Their parcels are split between 50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Petit Verdot, which are tended organically (they’re working on their official certification.) The resulting wines are classically styled, with an ability to age, and offer quality which punches well above their reasonable price point.