Château Léoville Poyferré, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2008
The vineyards which span both sides of the D2 were once the property of Chateau Leoville. In 1840, when the estate was divided, the portion assigned to the baron de Poyferre became the estate we now know as Leoville Poyferre. Typically brooding, masculine nose. This is dense and full bodied with big brambly, slightly prickly fruit core. Although this is a large scale wine, it has a delicate side too. Well structured, with plenty of fresh acidity and round tannins to make this a good keeper.
critic reviews
The 2008 Léoville-Poyferré has long been one of the best Saint-Julien’s of the vintage. It has a vibrant, exquisitely delineated bouquet with precise black fruit, cedar and hints of liquorice that unfold seductively. The oak here is beautifully enmeshed. The palate is medium-bodied with melted tannins, a fine bead of acidity, very harmonious with pure red fruit laced with allspice, clove and bay leaf towards the finish. A brilliant wine from former winemaker Didier Cuvelier. Tasted at the Léoville-Poyferré vertical at the château with Sara Lecompte Cuvelier.
Classic, balanced, restrained, everything is knitted down and concentrated, with tannins that have grain and grip and will age for decades. Liqourice, chocolate shavings, cassis, enjoyable wine with edges of gourmet richness that become clear with time in the glass. Clearly one of the best of a vintage that was difficult for much of the season but enjoyed late season sun - something that is clear through the harvest dates, that stretched from October 6 to 18 (exactly the same dates as followed at neighbouring Léoville Las Cases). 80% new oak.