Léoville Poyferré 2011

Deeply coloured and ambitiously oaked, this is a wine that needs time to integrate in barrel. At the moment, the oak flavours and tannins hold the upper hand, but beneath the staves there are appealing flavours of green malt, mint and tea leaf. I just hope that that the oak won't dry the fruit out over time. 8+ years.

Well-extracted blackcurrant Cabernet fruit, very good ripeness and good tannins, an impression of power with elegance to come later. Drink 2017-2035

Another super effort from this estate, Leoville Poyferre-s 2011 possesses an opaque purple color in addition to a ripe, fragrant nose of black currant fruit, cedar, white chocolate and a touch of oak. Rich, layered and medium to full-bodied with unmistakable elegance and purity, vibrant acids and a fresh, lively personality, it will need 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades.

The Chateau Leoville Poyferre is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked between 19th September and 1st October, sorted by optical machine. Astonishingly, it has a higher IPT than in 2010 at 94 compared to 82 last year. It has an attractive bouquet with fine delineation and freshness, fine tension and poise with exuberant blackberry and wild strawberry fruit infused with cedar and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins, a sharp thread of citric acidity and very good weight. It lacks a little harmony towards the finish that shows a little hardness, but I think this will soften to turn out to be one of the finest Saint Julien wines in a difficult vintage. Tasted April 2012.

This shows a currant and berries with dark chocolate character. Full and chewy with a bright acidity. Structured too. A little austere. Wait and see. Only about 40% of the normal production. 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot.