Léoville Poyferré - Saint-Julien 2015

Vinous

95

byNeal Martinthe7/10/2019

The 2015 Léoville Poyferré has a very backward nose, perhaps with a little more new oak to be subsumed compared to its peers, indicating that this is Poyferré. The fresh, focused palate is very well defined, displaying supple tannin and a fine bead of acidity. The almost understated, lip-smackingly saline finish is pure class. This is a very fine Saint-Julien. Chapeau, Didier Cuvelier. Tasted blind at the Southwold 2015 Bordeaux tasting.

Wine Advocate

94

byNeal Martinthe3/2/2018

The 2015 Leoville Poyferre had a deep purple/ruby color. The bouquet is very concentrated, more so than its peers but not excessively so, laden with pure blackberry, raspberry and light cassis scents, the new oak (85%) neatly integrated although it will require several years to be completely subsumed. The palate is medium-bodied with impressive weight and presence. It is a voluminous Poyferre with ample ripe blackberry, white pepper and cedar notes, that seam of graphite that I noticed en primeur extant and lending that Pauillac-like personality toward the creamy finish. It is an excellent 2015, although it is going to require longer in bottle to reach full maturity, 8-10 years or so. Anticipated maturity: 2024 - 2050. 

Vinous

97

byAntonio Gallonithe2/27/2018

The 2015 Léoville-Poyferré is spectacular. Inky, dense and explosive, the 2015 possesses off the chart richness, with soft contours, no hard edges and exceptional balance. All the elements are simply fused together. inky blue/purplish fruit, chocolate, new leather, blueberry jam, exotic spice and violet notes are all beautifully delineated throughout. Fresh, vibrant and totally sexy, Léoville-Poyferré is one of the wines of the vintage. Don't miss it! Tasted two times.

Wine Advocate

94

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe2/22/2018

The 2015 Leoville Poyferre is deep garnet-purple colored with a nose of grilled meats, baked plums, crème de cassis and baker's chocolate with nuances of dusty soil and iron ore plus a hint of bay leaves. Medium to full-bodied, very firm and muscular in the mouth, it is built like a brick house with a mineral-tinged finish.

Wine Spectator

95

byJames Molesworththe2/15/2018

Dark plum cake, blueberry reduction and açaí berry fruit tilts this to the exotic side of the ledger, with warm ganache, melted black licorice and tar notes providing the spine through the lush finish. Displays some serious latent grip, so there's no rush despite the showy fruit. Best from 2022 through 2040. 18,439 cases made.  –JM

Jamessuckling.com

96

byJames Sucklingthe2/12/2018

A rich and intense red with blackberries, tar and spices. Black tea and blueberries. Full-bodied, very layered and multi-dimensional. Very long and flavorful. Such great texture. A dynamic and superb red. Drink in 2023.

Decanter.com

94

byJane Ansonthe1/26/2018

This stands out for its layers of flavour, with licks of charcoal and liquorice. It has robust power, and stakes its claim as one of the best of the appellation in 2015.

Jeb DUNNUCK

97

byJeb Dunnuckthe11/30/2017

Jancis Robinson

18

byJulia Harding MWthe11/8/2017

Deep crimson. Sweet and round and polished – so extraordinarily different from Léoville Barton! There is some gravelly texture but it's overlaid with fruit and come-hither appeal. Although this is much more restrained than some vintages.

The Wine Cellar Insider

94-96

byJeff Levethe4/30/2016

Deeply colored with an initial blast of cassis and blackberry, this wine has freshness, polished tannins and a long, lingering, tannic finish with both depth and structure and gust of sweet, ripe, dark-red skinned fruit. Blending 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc, this wine reached 13.47% alcohol. The harvest took place from September 24 to October 10.

Wine Advocate

92-94

byNeal Martinthe4/29/2016

The 2015 Léoville Poyferré is a blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc that was harvested between 24 September and 10 October. The IPT comes in at 80 with a pH 3.69. It has a typical Léoville-Poyferré bouquet at this stage: quite bullish and forthright, packed full of dense black cherries, red plum and cassis, the 85% new oak pronounced, but will be subsumed with bottle age. The palate is full-bodied with mouth-coating tannin: layers of graphite-infused black fruit, cedar and mint, almost Pauillac-like in personality with a sustained graphite finish. This is a sophisticated Saint Julien built for long-term ageing, perhaps less flamboyant than recent vintages, but the terroir shows through. Expect it to land at the top of my banded score, possibly higher.

Decanter.com

95

bySteven Spurrierthe4/27/2016

Lovely concentration of fruit already showing excellent florality, purity and density. Robustly elegant in the Poyferré style – ‘juicy and silky’, according to owner Didier Cuvelier. This is one for the long term. 2022-2045

Vinous

93-96

byAntonio Gallonithe4/27/2016

The 2015 Léoville-Poyferré is simply magnificent. Rich, creamy and voluptuous in the glass, the 2015 captures all the best qualities of the vintage in spades. Layers of flavor blossom in the glass as the wine fill out its broad-shouldered frame with impeccable grace. A host of floral notes, including violet, lavender and rose petal grace the utterly exquisite finish. There is so much to like here. Specifically, the interplay of ripeness, texture and freshness is compelling. The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc. Tasted three times.

timatkin.com

93

byTim Atkin MWthe4/20/2016

Jancis Robinson

16,5

byJancis Robinsonthe4/18/2016

Deep purple. Glowing. Flattering nose but without the undertow of some. Lots of energy and just a hint of sweet oak. A solid performance. Drink 2026-204016.5++

Wine Enthusiast

95-97

byRoger Vossthe4/15/2016

Barrel Sample. This is a generous, rounded, juicy wine, with already a fine balance between tannins and fruit. Black currant flavors are contrasted by a dry, solid core that shows the wine's impressive potential. 96 points

Jamessuckling.com

95-96

byJames Sucklingthe4/5/2016

A dense and savory red with plenty of phenolic texture and ripe fruit character. Hints of walnut and spice too. Chewy finish. Solid center palate.

Wine Spectator

92-95

byJames Molesworththe4/3/2016

This features depth and focus, with a really solid core of currant and blackberry lined with ample iron and briar notes. Not shy with the toast, but the finish is energetic, and everything is pulling together.—J.M.