Barrel Sample. Located in the east of Saint-Émilion, this estate was formerly know as Haut-Villet. It is a powerful expression of ripe Cabernet Franc, giving a perfumed character that is already well established in this rich, fruity wine. It should age well, so drink from 2023.

Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2017 Poesia-a blend of 70% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Franc-gives up intense notes of crushed black cherries, mulberries and preserved plums with hints of baking spices, violets and licorice. Medium to full-bodied and very elegant and soft in the mouth with wonderfully ripe, plush tannins, it's spicy and refreshing on the finish.

The tightly wound core of black currant and boysenberry paste flavors is laced with alder, tobacco and violet notes. Long chalky minerality carries the finish. Very refined and pure. Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Best from 2022 through 2034. 1,500 cases made.

The 2017 Poesia has a more extravagant, multi- layered bouquet with copious black cherries, boysenberry and blueberry fruit, whilst maintaining fine delineation and focus. The palate is medium- bodied with supple tannins, and a fine bead of acidity. Smooth and quite fleshy with touches of damson surfacing towards the finish, later hints of blood orange. Maybe it just needs a little more amplitude and tension? Tasted at the Poesia vertical in Saint-Émilion.

Coming from the Garcin-Levêque family of Barde-Haut in Saint-Emilion and Clos l'Eglise in Pomerol, the 2017 Chateau Poesia offers pretty raspberry, white flowers, and spice on the nose, with a touch of minerality coming through on the palate. From pure limestone soils in Saint-Emilion, it's medium-bodied, elegant, and silky, with ripe tannins and plenty of length. Like all the 2017s from this team, it shines for its elegance and purity and is well worth buying and cellaring. Give bottles a few years and enjoy over the following 15 years or more.