1981 Leoville Poyferre
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Tasting notes
The 1981 Léoville-Poyferré has a light, sous-bois scented nose that lacks clarity, though it is not as malodorous as the previous vintage. The palate is austere but offers remnants of a once elegant wine, black pepper and singed leather towards the short finish. This is not one of the best 1981s and certainly nowhere close to the Léoville Las-Cases from this vintage. Tasted from a bottle at home.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
More savoury than the 1982, drier but still has surprising verve. Drying out but still fragrant in the middle. (JH)
Consistently perplexing to judge, the 1981 Poyferre has adequate tannin and acidity, a soft, jammy, mid-range, and a short finish. Surely a good wine with 4-5 years of evolution ahead of it, but certainly not one of the leading St.-Juliens in 1981. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/86.
Consistently perplexing to judge, the 1981 Poyferre has adequate tannin and acidity, a soft, jammy, mid-range, and a short finish. Surely a good wine with 4-5 years of evolution ahead of it, but certainly not one of the leading St.-Juliens in 1981. Anticipated maturity: Now. Last tasted, 12/86. Jan 1998, www.robertparker.com
About the producer
Ch. Léoville-Poyferré is a Second Growth Saint-Julien property that was once part of the same estate as Ch. Léoville Barton and Ch. Léoville Las Cases. It has the most complex and varied soils of the three and produces the most voluptuous, seductive style of wine.