Chateau Potensac is owned by the Delon family, owner of the illustrious estates Leoville-Las Cases, in St Julien, and Nenin, in Pomerol. Like Sociando-Mallet, Potensac is yet another chateau which illustrates the defunct nature of the 1855 classification of Bordeaux. Potensac regularly turns out wines of classed growth quality, but has only a Cru Bourgeois designation, although in the most recent Cru Bourgeois classification, in 2003, it was accorded Cru Bourgeois Exceptionel status. The vineyards of Potensac are located in Ordonnac in Médoc. The blend is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon, with approximately 40% Merlot and Cabernet Franc combined. Production from just over 120 acres of vineyard amounts to 25000 cases per year. There are many reasons why Potensac is so successful, but like all great wines the success has its roots in the vineyard. Restricted yields of approximately 35 hl/ha, however, is just the start of it. Temperature controlled fermentation and rigorous selection for the 'grand vin' (about 40% of the crop goes to a second wine, Chateau Lassalle) are other important factors. Michel and Jean-Hubert Delon eschew filtration, although they do fine the wines using egg whites, an acceptable and widely used practice.
