Tasting Notes
Vinous 95
The 2009 Léoville-Poyferré is very well defined on the nose with blackberry, leather, Cuban cigar and hints of savory fruit on the nose – quite complex and cerebral. The palate is medium-bodied with fine grain tannin, a superb beat of acidity, gentle grip but with ample density and judicious spiciness towards the finish. Maybe in the context of the vintage and style of Poyferré, a little more conservative in style that you might expect, but patently extremely well crafted and thoroughly delicious. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners’ 2009 Bordeaux tasting.
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2045
Robert Parker 98
Having retreated into its shell, the deep garnet colored 2009 Leoville Poyferre gives up slowly revealing notions of cigar boxes, pencil lead, charcoal, rose hip tea and fragrant earth with a core of preserved plums, creme de cassis, espresso and Indian spices. Full, rich, seductive and voluptuously fruited in the mouth, the palate features firm yet beautifully velvety tannins and seamless freshness, finishing very long and spicy.
Anticipated maturity: 2022-2058
JancisRobinson.com 17.5
60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Cabernet Franc. 18–20 months in French oak, 80% new. Malo in barrel. pH 3.69. Deep garnet with ruby rim. Cedar, cassis and spice dominate here on the nose – I thought it would smell riper than this but as it opens this side is revealed. Very Cabernet in its aroma even though there is quite a dollop of Petit Verdot that adds its own perfume. Smells generous and forthcoming. On the palate there are more tertiary flavours, a definite mature taste of undergrowth, unexpected freshness and a slight suggestion that the tannins are gaining ground on the fruit but currently showing finesse. This gives the impression of firm extraction in the dry, grainy finish but it’s still clearly in balance for quite a bit longer in bottle. Rather leathery on the finish. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2019-2034
