Château Léoville Poyferré, 2ème Cru Classé, St Julien, 2016
Produced from 64% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc and 3% Petit Verdot, the Leoville Poyferre 2018 is the first full vintage of the new Cuvelier regime. Sara has taken over from Didier, but the house style is still very evident. Another large-scale effort, with plush fruit and a big, burly tannic profile. Of the three Leoville estates, this appears to be the least composed, although Leoville Poyferre rarely disappoints. The bouquet is lavish and expressive; notes of Chambord, spicy perfume, liquorice, mint and dark chocolate. There's really good energy and a sense of thrust - lots of distinguished material here: cherry, cassis, crème de mûre and cool loganberry – ripe, detailed fruit. The tannins rise up in a powerful if slightly rustic way. This is an energetic, muscular style with lots of structure; it finishes with fruit, toast and spice. A little loose, but it should come together during élevage.
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.