2002 Château Léoville-Poyferré

The 2002 Leoville Poyferre is medium garnet with a touch of brick. It has quite an earthy / leathery nose showing a good amount of evolution, with a core of prunes and blackcurrant pastilles plus hints of fallen leaves, dried herbs, tobacco, and camphor. Medium-bodied, the palate is coated with mint-laced black fruit preserves, framed by a light grip of chewy tannins and appealing freshness, finishing with a minty kick.

The 2002 Léoville-Poyferré has an open nose with dusky black fruit, melted tar and a touch of pencil box; more fruit here compared to other Saint-Julien wines. The palate is. medium-bodied with slightly rustic tannins, a touch of blackberry pastilles, tobacco, allspice and light graphite notes towards the Japanese nori-tinged finish. Probably reaching its peak now, but with the substance to offer another 12 to 15 years drinking pleasure. Tasted at the château.

Grilled spice notes dominate on the opening beats of this wine, and the tannins remain very much in play, not constricting but playing a big role in the mouthfeel. There is a lovely classicisim to this vintage at Poyferré, with raspberry fruits, touches of hedgrow and bracken giving a wash of acidity, some earthy notes and again the balance that you look for in a classified St Julien. 80% new oak.