2021 Château Léoville-Poyferré
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Tasting notes
Yields were a tiny 24hl/ha at Léoville-Poyferré in 2021 (the norm is around 45hl/ha). On the advice of Michel Rolland, they waited to pick – a risk that was rewarded, producing an intense, structured wine that is full of dark, plummy fruit and firm tannins that point to its significant ageing potential.
Critic scores
William Kelley, Wine Advocate
Antonio Galloni, Vinous
More reviews and scores
Tasted blind. Salty-sweet and then very stony – almost St-Estèphe-like! Definitely not made to flatter! Finishes pretty dry and austere. (JR)
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc and 5% Petit Verdot. More evolved rim than the 2020 but still dark purplish crimson. Relatively light and tart for this property. None of the usual hedonism. Rather pinched on the end. (JR)
The Grand Vin 2021 Château Léoville Poyferré from this brilliant estate checks in as 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 9% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Petit Verdot. It has a serious, concentrated, inward style as well as impressive red and black currant-like fruit supported by notes of graphite, smoked tobacco, spicy oak, and chocolate. With terrific richness, a layered, concentrated mid-palate, and fine tannins, this is clearly one of the gems in the vintage. It needs to be forgotten for just 4-5 years, and I wouldn't be surprised to see it evolve for over two decades.
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.