Tasting Notes
Will Gardener 97-99/100
Wow the colour is awesome, this is tight on the nose with a touch of wood sap, baked bread, dark chocolate, this more on the dark side, grilled, the texture is ridiculous, so concentrated yet so soft, the tannins are incredibly polished, the fruit is pinpoint, finishes with a long toasty nonchalant finish, reminds me of the 2010 but more sex appeal.
Vinous 96
The 2016 Leoville-Poyferre has a pH of 3.66 and an IPT level of 88. It seems to have tightened up since en primeur, now offering intense blackberry, bilberry and veins of blue fruit; there s a little gloss here but the terroir comes through. The smooth, sensual palate is medium-bodied with ripe tannin, very well-judged acidity and great substance and style on the finish. Undoubtedly, this is one of the most sophisticated Poyferre in recent years. 13.6% alcohol.
Anticipated maturity: 2023-2048
Robert Parker 97+
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Leoville Poyferre hits the ground running with intense cassis, violets, dark chocolate, menthol and fragrant earth notions complemented by nuances of cigar box and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic, super intense black fruit and floral layers, beautifully supported with super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness. This liquid is simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW!
Anticipated maturity: 2021-2050
JancisRobinson.com 18.5
63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc. 18-20 months in French oak, 80% new. Malo in barrel. pH 3.57. Deep crimson with wide, soft cherry rim. Open and aromatic and totally inviting: black and dark-red fruits together with just a light leafy note lifting it from the glass. Smells extremely pure. On the palate, perfect balance between the freshness and the vibrant fruit, the tannins dense but polished. Becomes increasingly aromatic in the glass. The oak is receding but still present in a light sweetness and just a hint of spice. Dry tannins like many layers of paper, no grain, just dry, compact finesse. Both aromatic and elegant. Persistent, too. I found this very hard to spit and fully enjoyed the rest of the 100-ml test tube after I had finished tasting. (JH)
Anticipated maturity: 2026-2045
