Moulis and Listrac have produced a bracing set of wines in 2011. There isn’t the joy and flesh found here in 2009 nor the density of 2010. Still if you like your wines with chew and sap then these have something to offer. They could do with a little time to settle further, perhaps the wines of Moulis more than Listrac. There is elegance and harmony amongst the best if not a huge buzz of excitement.

Château Poujeaux and Château Chasse-Spleen are the picks overall but there are also elegant and reasonably harmonious efforts in Listrac from the Fourcas duo. Château Fonréaud looks a reasonable effort. Château Clarke [Listrac] felt very puckering, acid as much as tannin I thought, and Château Maucaillou [Moulis] was tough and chewy. These certainly need time but I’m not convinced they’d be really worth the wait.

MOULIS

Château Chasse-Spleen

Mid depth; very polished nose; creamy blackcurrant aromas; stalky blackcurrants on the palate but fresh and clean and not too grippy; still needs some time to settle further but nicely done for the vintage. Drink 2016-2026. 87 Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

Château Maucaillou

Deep and dense; earthy, mealy note with a little walnut; chunky fruit on the palate with some life; little tannic and chewy. Earthy style. Not the best of the recent wines here. Drink 2015-2025. 84 Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

Château Poujeaux

Deep and saturated look; spicy blackcurrant aromas – feels deep; stalky blackcurrants on the palate; nicely handled fruit; chewy blackcurrants. Acid and grip on the finish but a typically good effort from Poujeaux. Drink 2016-2026. 88+ Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

LISTRAC

Château Clarke

Mid depth; some spices, plum with cherry notes; palate very grippy and quite puckering. Drink 2015-2021. 84 Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

Château Fonréaud

Deep and dense looking; attractive spicy, blackcurrant nose with some leaf and undergrowth; earthy blackcurrant flavours. Chewy on the finish. Pretty traditional Listrac and good effort from this property in a tricky vintage. Drink now to enjoy the vigour but will obviously improve. Drink 2014 – 2021. 86 Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

Château Fourcas Dupré

Mid depth; fresh aromas of stalky blackcurrants; similar tones on the palate – cool blackcurrant flavours with spices and acid. Has settled and will improve further. Drink 2015-2026. 86+ Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.

Château Fourcas Hosten

Deep looking; earth, fresh blackcurrants and steely note; quite pure; chewy palate but not over acidic or extracted; nicely handled on the palate. Has harmony. Drink 2015-2026 87 Tasted Oct ’13 UGCB London.