Potensac, Chateau
Summary
Château Potensac is an 80-hectare estate in Ordonnac in the northern Médoc, owned by the Delon family (who also own Léoville Las Cases), producing structured Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot blends from clay-limestone and gravelly soils with some vines exceeding 60 years. Their traditional approach combines plot-by-plot harvesting and temperature-controlled fermentation with moderate oak aging (30% new barrels for 14-16 months), earning them Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel classification in 2020.
Heritage & Leadership
Château Potensac stands as one of the northern Médoc's notable properties, located in the commune of Ordonnac. The estate's documented history dates back to the early 19th century, though viticulture on these lands likely extends further. The Delon family, who also own the prestigious Château Léoville Las Cases in Saint-Julien, has maintained ownership of Potensac for generations. Jean-Hubert Delon currently leads the estate, continuing his family's commitment to quality-focused viticulture in this cooler sector of the Médoc.
In 2020, Château Potensac received classification as a Cru Bourgeois Exceptionnel, the highest tier in the revised Cru Bourgeois classification system. This recognition affirms the property's consistent quality and standing within the Médoc region. Under the Delon family's guidance, the estate has maintained traditional Médoc winemaking approaches while implementing technical improvements to enhance precision.
Vineyards & Wines
Château Potensac's vineyards span approximately 80 hectares across the northern Médoc landscape. The property benefits from a diverse soil composition that includes clay-limestone and gravelly plots, providing different expressions across the estate. The vineyard plantings follow traditional Médoc proportions with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominating, complemented by smaller percentages of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
The estate's vineyards sit on elevated terrain for the Médoc, with some parcels reaching 35 meters above sea level. This topography, combined with the proximity to the Gironde estuary, creates a microclimate that allows for proper ripening despite the northerly position in the Médoc. The property's oldest vines exceed 60 years of age, contributing depth and concentration to the final blends.
The flagship wine, Château Potensac, expresses the structured character typical of Médoc wines, while the second wine, Chapelle de Potensac, offers an earlier-drinking alternative that maintains the estate's character. Both wines reflect the cooler climate of the northern Médoc through their fresh acidity and defined structure.
Philosophy & Practice
At Château Potensac, the winemaking philosophy centers on expressing terroir through traditional Médoc practices. Harvesting occurs plot by plot, with careful sorting both in the vineyard and at the winery. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, allowing for precise extraction management based on the character of each vintage.
The aging program typically spans 14-16 months, primarily in French oak barrels, with approximately 30% new oak for the grand vin. This measured approach to oak influence preserves the wine's fruit character while providing structural support through controlled oxygen exposure. The final blending decisions prioritize balance and aging potential, hallmarks of classic Médoc wines.
The estate maintains rigorous vineyard management practices, including green harvesting when necessary and canopy management tailored to each growing season's conditions. This attention to detail in the vineyard translates to consistent quality in the bottle, reinforcing Potensac's position as a benchmark for northern Médoc wines.