This afternoon sees the release of 2022 Château Léoville-Poyferré at £507 per 6 bottle case in bond. This is up 17% from 2021, but more than justified for one of the finest young Léoville-Poyferré I have tasted in years.
Please see below for my note as well as those from Neal Martin, William Kelley, Antonio Galloni and Jane Anson.
2022 Château Léoville-Poyferré, Saint-Julien
£507 per 6 bottle case in bond
My note:
The 2022 Léoville-Poyferré really impressed – the ripeness of the vintage showed so well in the wine, in such a measured way; there was nothing overblown or over the top. It really demonstrated the best of Saint-Julien – juicy, fresh and vibrant ripe fruit, with a flowing, mellow, almost silky texture. Léoville-Poyferré has produced a stunning wine in 2022 that captures the character of the vintage, whilst also retaining its poise and expression of site.
95-97 points, Neal Martin, Vinous
The 2022 Léoville Poyferré was picked 8 to 28 September at 33.4hL/ha and matured in 80% new oak. It has a high IPT of 93 and 14.4% alcohol (half a degree less than the 2018). It is quintessentially LP on the nose, with those extravagant and sensual black and blueberry fruit, intermingling with crushed violet and iris. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannins, very harmonious and focused, perhaps more linear than expected with a velvety-smooth finish. This is a very classy, sophisticated Saint-Julien that may well rest at the top of my banded score once in bottle. Drink 2030-2070
94-96 points, William Kelley, The Wine Advocate
The 2022 Léoville Poyferré has turned out very nicely, offering up aromas of crème de cassis, cherries, violets and creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that's ripe but lively, with supple tannins and a long, vanillin-inflected finish. This year, the team began picking their Merlot comparatively early and didn't perform a saignée (tank bleed), given the natural concentration of the vintage, though it remains the most flamboyant and demonstrative of the three Léoville estates, seeing some 80% new oak with malolactic fermentation in barrique for the new barrels. It will be a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
94-96 points, Antonio Galloni, Vinous
The 2022 Léoville-Poyferré is unctuous, deep and super-expressive, but not at all over-done. There's tremendous energy driving through a core of red/purplish fruit. Deceptively medium in body, the 2022 is a potent, statuesque Léoville-Poyferré that will offer many years of exceptional drinking.
96 points, Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux
Dense and succulent fruit and tannins, beautifully powerful, with fresh acidities, beautifully spicy with notes of black cherries, fresh figs, eucalyptus, rosemary, rose petals and cassis. Muscular tannins shot through with salted caramel sweetness, lifted by saffran and slate. Accomplished, impressive. Harvest September 8 to 28. 80% new oak from 16 different coopers.
Please let us know of your interest.
All the best,
Simon