All three of the top Moulis châteaux have performed well in 2019. Château Chasse Spleen is typically fresh and vibrant, always leaner than its rivals, but the extra richness of the vintage has supplied more middle than usual with nice texture on the palate. This will age well and needs three years or so to get set I reckon. Château Poujeaux has more evident depth and structure and feels well built for the long-haul, if currently rather tannic and grippy on the finish. You have five years at least to wait here. By contrast, unless it has shut down in the past six months, Château Maucaillou appears already attractive now, with plenty of red and black fruits on the palate [raspberry and plum tones]. You can decant this now and enjoy the lush fruit. The wines of Moulis continue to provide excellent value red Bordeaux. They also develop exceptionally well in bottle.

Château Chasse Spleen, Moulis, 2019

Earthy red purple; little reductive at first; some savoury notes; fresh Cabernet notes; palate more expressive; freshness and vibrancy; appetising with length. Nicely textured palate. [52% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot & 2% Cabernet Franc]. Tasted Nov ’21. Drink 2024-2034. 90

Château Maucaillou, Moulis, 2019

Mid depth; earthy red purple at edge; very attractive lifted red fruits; strawberry and raspberry notes; ripe plums too; palate is round and lush – reminds me very much of ’09. Sweet and ripe entry to the fruit – this is lush indeed and already drinking well. Some tannins at the end but plenty of lush fruit. Decant this and enjoy now. [50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 43% Merlot, 7% Petit Verdot]. Tasted Nov ’21. Drink 2022-2032. 90

Château Poujeaux, Moulis, 2019

Bold, solid colour; deep at centre; savoury and sturdy aromatics; strong wine; lots of fruit and extract on the palate; more noticeable tannin and feels the most long-haul of the three Moulis shown on the day. Potentially the best. Grip and chewy to the tannins on the end. [50% Merlot, 45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot, 14% alc]. Tasted Nov ’21. Drink 2025-2040. 92+