Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2003

Professional Ratings

• 96 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  The spectacular 2003 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a dense purple color with a touch of lightening at the edge as well as notes of creosote, barbecue smoke, jammy black currants, licorice and spice box. This intense, voluptuously textured, full-bodied St.-Julien possesses low acidity and ripe tannin. Still fresh and exuberant, it is just entering its plateau of full maturity where it should remain for 10-15+ years.
• 96 Jeb Dunnuck

  Gorgeous stuff and certainly one of the gems in the vintage, the 2003 Château Léoville Poyferré reveals a healthy ruby/plum hue with no signs of bricking. Ripe currants, sappy tobacco, cedar pencil, and minty herbs all define the aromatics, and it's full-bodied on the palate, with a layered, round, lush texture. Its tannins are soft and beautifully integrated, and it has terrific balance and a gorgeous finish.

• 95 Wine Spectator
  A huge, opulent wine that packs sweet, rich tannins and spicy fruit. In the midst of all this decadence, though, is a kernel of tannic dryness. This estate, long the weakest of the three Lèoville wines, is now back in top form.
• 95 James Suckling

  So much blue fruit here, together with mushrooms and dried cherries. Some flowers, too. Full-bodied with dusty, chewy tannins. Velvety. Lots of everything here, in a slightly old-school way. A tiny bit dry on the finish. Drink or hold.

• 93 Wine Enthusiast
  A huge, opulent wine that packs sweet, rich tannins and spicy fruit. In the midst of all this decadence, though, is a kernel of tannic dryness. This estate, long the weakest of the three Lèoville wines, is now back in top form. Imported by Diageo Chateau & Estates.