Château Léoville Poyferré, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2016
Didier Cuvelier emphasised the importance of the 'Summer Solstice'. The 21st of June marked the start of summer at Leoville Poyferre - the rain stopped and the sun shone brightly... He went on to describe 2016 as possessing the 'sumptuous fruitiness, unctuosity of 2009, balance and density of 2010. Produced from 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, this large scale Poyferre is all about density, power and profound tannins at this stage. The palate is seriously impressive with fine grained tannins that are impeccably mannered. It has a technical and polished feel, but it still has Poyferre character and finishes with lingering cassis. A powerful Poyferre.
critic reviews
The 2016 Léoville Poyferré is beautifully perfumed on the nose, with a mixture of black and blueberry fruit, violet and cedar, exquisite purity, and the oak is seamlessly integrated. The palate is medium-bodied, with pliant tannins, fleshy yet there is real backbone here, filigree tannin, and a precise, mineral-rich, quite sensual finish. Superb. Tasted blind at the Southwold 10-Year-On tasting.
Immediate depths straight off the aromatics, this is standout in a very strong lineup. Enticiting and confident, full of estate signature, juicy and elongated tannins, spiced black fruits, baking spice, crème de cassis, tobacco and sandalwood. 80% new oak for ageing, now fully integrated but still giving a smoky kick.