Didier Cuvelier had taken over in 1979 and was undertaking a huge replanting programme, so the 1980s at this estate were a time of serious change that slowly but surely came through in the wines. At this point in time the consultant was still Emile Peynaud - Michel Rolland didn't arrive until 1994. It has sweet plum fruits with some hedgerow and bramble notes through the mid-palate, leading to a eucalyptus finish. Fermented and aged in 50% new oak, with malo in barrel - Poyferré was pretty much the first château in the Médoc to do this.

The 1986 Léoville-Poyferré is certainly one of the best of the decade. Typical of the vintage on the nose, it offers a mélange of smoke and graphite on the nose, tighter than the previous vintage with good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grip, though it has loosened in recent years. Quite sturdy and gruff with a grainy, savory finish. Whilst not quite as good as the 1982 or 1989, this remains a fine Poyferré. Tasted at the vertical tasting with Didier Cuvelier in 2009. -- Neal Martin