2000 Léoville-Poyferré, St-Julien

“Absolutely knockout stuff, the 2000 Léoville Poyferré is a sexy, layered, totally irresistible Bordeaux that’s firing on all cylinders today. Sporting a deep ruby/purple color and blockbuster notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, cedar and tobacco, this concentrated, powerful 2000 has a rounded, opulent texture, sweet tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a quintessential Poyferré and my only regret is I didn’t buy more.” (02/2018)

“The plushest, most ostentatious and dramatic of all the Leovilles in 2000, this wine is already sumptuous, displaying some nuances in its huge nose of vanilla bean, black chocolate, jammy black cherries, cassis, and graphite in a flamboyant style. Opulent, savory, rich, and full-bodied, it is a head-turning, prodigious wine and a complete contrast to the extracted behemoth of Leoville Barton and the backward, classic Leoville Las Cases. (RP)” (06/2010)

“Olive tapenade, leather, black tea, liquorice, alongside ripe blackberry fruits that remain generous at 21 years old. There are plenty of fine but firm tannins and after a stubborn start the vintage is finally starting to relax and open up. As you settle in, the sweet fruit falls away to allow a complex addition of licking salinity with crushed stones and slate texture, with remnants of the toasted oak that it was aged in giving a smoky seductive finish. Ready to drink with a short decanting. Harvest September 26 to October 10. This was Isabelle Davin's first year as technical director, with Michel Rolland consultant since 1996. Blending at the end of ageing at the time (through to 2005). 80% new oak.” (07/2021)

“Pure and focused, with some still-primal blueberry reduction and plum sauce flavors at first, moving to hints of black currant and fig paste. As this moves along, it shows more development, picking up bay, smoldering cigar and warm ganache notes through the finish. Rich and long, and just starting to hit its stride. (JM)” (06/2016)

“This has spices, meat, dark and ripe fruits, and a light sultana character. Full-bodied, tight and firm with a beautiful freshness and great length with notes of licorice and citrus skin. Fascinating stuff.” (04/2012)

“The 2000 Léoville Poyferré has a lovely bouquet of brambly red berry fruit, orange peel, sandalwood, ash and a touch of peppermint. Maybe there is just a tiny smidgen of brettanomyces. The palate is medium-bodied and approaching full maturity, with grainy tannins, meat juices, sage, thyme and light white peppery notes surfacing with aeration. (NM)” (06/2021)

“Mid crimson with a bit of evolution. Fragrant. Much less concentrated than the Barton but an attractive expression of the vintage and appellation. Dry overall and quite sinewy. You could start to drink this even though it is far from its apogee. 17.5/20 points (JR)” (03/2010)