Leoville Poyferre 2005 (750ML)

98 DE / 97 JA / 96 WI / 96 JS / 95 WA / 18 JR

The 2005 vintage was surprisingly strong for Léoville-Poyferré, which I had tied with Mouton-Rothschild for second place just after Haut-Brion. The blend was 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Picking began on 26 September with the Merlot and finished on 8 October. The wine was aged in 75% new casks. The ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit showed some well-integrated notes of cedar, smoke, and earth that remain very youthful. The feel on the palate is substantial but very elegant. The tannins are firm and solid but not astringent. The overall impression is one of well-balanced power, and the finish was subtle and long. Drinking Window 2021 - 2040. June 2021 - Charles Curtis MW, Decanter 

Clearly speaks of the character and success of the vintage, just so coiled and ready to spring with a few hours in a carafe or in the glass. Unrolls and inches forward, a perfectly controlled, well-judged mix of textured, brambled berry fruits alongside tight juicy blackcurrant, liqourice and chocolate. Touches of smoked cedar also, still at the start of the drinking plateau at 16 years old, no need to open quite yet but this is superlative, seductive stuff. First year with Didier Thomann as cellar master. 80% new oak. - Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux

Medium brick in color, the 2005 Leoville Poyferre sails out of the glass with fragrant notes of creme de cassis, Morello cherries, and fruitcake with hints of dried roses, star anise, cigar box, and dried mint plus a hint of cast-iron pan. Medium-bodied, the palate delivers a fantastic backbone of firm, fine-grained tannins and racy acidity supporting the layer upon layer of perfumed black fruits, finishing long and mineral-tinged. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Independent

Very clear and translucent with currants, blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that are layered and beautiful. Together and polished with plushness and beauty. Drink or hold. - James Suckling

The Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2005 has a rich and opulent bouquet with lavish ripe black cherries and wild strawberry, just a touch of licorice rendering its even more extravagant. The palate is full-bodied with ripe, rounded tannin, touches of licorices and glycerin on the mid-palate with savory notes flourishing towards the finish. This is almost a brash, hubristic Saint Julien, one for those who prefer a more opulent style of Bordeaux while maintaining complexity. Chapeau Didier Cuvelier. Neal Martin, Wine Advocate

Hugely concentrated and packed with tannins, this wine shows considerable amounts of dark, extracted fruit. It wins out on impressive power, driving the fruit through the tannins, giving great richness. - Roger Voss, Wine Enthusiast

68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot. 18–20 months in French oak, 80% new. Malo in barrel. pH 3.6. Lots of Cabernet Sauvignon this year and no Cabernet Franc. The most evolved in colour of all the wines so far, not surprisingly, with quite a bit of brick and rather smudgy. Hedonistic mature aromas of forest floor and leather, with sweet spice. Senescent fruit but still so full of gorgeous aromas. Dry tannic finesse, great freshness and still has upright purity as well as great length. Mature but full of life and depth of fruit. Grainy but rounded texture. Big but not brash. Julia Harding MW, Jancis Robinson .com