Tasting Notes
Antonio Galloni 97
The 2016 Léoville-Poyferré is fabulous. Rich, ample and dramatic in bearing, the 2016 possesses striking intensity and vertical lift. The tannins certainly need at least a few years in bottle to soften, but there is so much to look forward to. Graphite, menthol, lavender and licorice complement the inky blue/purplish fruit beautifully. The bottled wine has a bit more Cabernet Sauvignon and less Merlot than the en primeur sample. I tasted the 2016 three times. It’s least favorable showing was at the château. For readers and proprietors who think wines always taste better on site…they don’t.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2046
Neal Martin 97
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.
Anticipated maturity: 2030-2060
Wine Advocate 97+
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Poyferre hits the ground running with intense cassis, violets, dark chocolate, menthol and fragrant earth notions complemented by nuances of cigar box and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic, super intense black fruit and floral layers, beautifully supported with super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness. This liquid is simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2050
Jeff Leve 97
Still, deeply colored, the wine is a bit reticent at the moment and it takes a bit of effort to unfurl before you discover all of its layers of perfectly ripe, deep, rich, lush, polished, black and red fruits. The tannins are ripe, but they need at least 5-7 more years before you find all the softness and natural, supple, opulence enjoyed in the top vintages of Leoville Poyferre. The wine is powerful, long, deep, concentrated, full-bodied, and intense, with a serious depth-of flavor from start to finish. Drink from 2029-2060.
Anticipated maturity: 2029-2060
Jane Anson 98
Immediate depths straight off the aromatics, this is standout in a very strong lineup. Enticing 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.
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2048
The Wine Independent 96
This wine has a round, sweet and subtle nose of classic Léoville Poyferré strawberries, cassis and notes of roses and viols. It is a fresh and high-toned wine whith plenty of polished in-your-face soft fruit and is well built with lots of freshness and red berries in the aftertaste. A classic Léoville Poyferré in the making.
Anticipated maturity: 2024-2054
James Suckling 96
Aromas of wild herbs, walnuts, sweet tobacco and a gentle earthy note. Medium- to full-bodied with delineated dark fruit and integrated tannins. Elegant and precise, offering wonderful depth. Approachable now, but its brilliant structure points to a long life ahead. Drink or hold. 10 Years On retrospective.
