The 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a remarkable Bordeaux Blend that hails from the prestigious St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. With a deep, garnet-red color, this wine is a true showstopper. The nose is incredibly expressive, offering a seductive blend of dark cherry, plum, and spice. Notes of cacao, earth, and wood undertones add complexity and depth. Cloves make a subtle appearance, contributing to the wine's aromatic allure.
On the palate, the Leoville-Poyferre is full-bodied and impeccably balanced. It exhibits a remarkable level of control and poise, showcasing the winemaker's expertise. The wine is both complex and flavorful, with rich layers of dark fruit and spicy accents. The firm tannins provide structure and depth, while the long, precise finish leaves a lasting impression.
Renowned wine critic James Suckling awarded this wine an impressive score of 97 points. He describes it as "balanced, complex, and flavorful," emphasizing its structured nature. Suckling suggests enjoying this wine after 2025, indicating its potential for further development and aging.
Wine Enthusiast also gave the 2018 Leoville-Poyferre a score of 97 points, praising its density and concentration. They note the wine's powerful nature and the impressive display of Cabernet structure. Wine Enthusiast recommends waiting until 2027 to fully appreciate this wine's dark, ageworthy character.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate joins the chorus of acclaim with a score of 97 points. Lisa Perrotti-Brown describes the wine as "full-bodied, rich, and decadent," highlighting its hedonic black fruits and velvety texture. She predicts that this wine will provide pleasure for at least 30 years, making it an excellent choice for collectors.
The 2018 Leoville-Poyferre has also received high praise from other critics, such as Jeff Leve, Decanter, Jeb Dunnuck, Vinous, Wine Spectator, and Jane Anson. They all highlight the wine's exceptional qualities, including its aromatic expressiveness, concentration, balance, and potential for long-term aging.
Overall, the 2018 Leoville-Poyferre is a truly remarkable wine that embodies the excellence of Bordeaux. With its captivating aromas, impressive structure, and remarkable depth of flavor, it is a wine that will surely delight any wine enthusiast. Whether enjoyed now or cellared for further aging, this wine is a testament to the craftsmanship of Leoville-Poyferre and the timeless appeal of Bordeaux blends.