Château Léoville Poyferré, 2024

"Impressive texture, slate wrapped in silky tannins, with real depth of flavour, black cherry and damson fruit, no dip through the mid palate, and a long finish. Maintains estate signature, shows generosity and confidence, one of the wines of the vintage. Alix Combe vineyard director, Isabelle David oenologist. Harvest 24 September to 10 October. 3.71 pH. 26.42 hl/ha."

"The 2024 Léoville-Poyferré was picked from September 24 to October 10 at 26.42 hl/ha. There was some reverse osmosis on the Merlot and Cabernet Franc varieties. Quasi-Pauillac in style, it offers quite backward black fruit, hints of melted tar and graphite on the nose. The palate is medium-bodied and quite succulent with fleshy ripe tannins, tobacco-laced black fruit, brown spices and light undergrowth. With a fine supple landing on the finish in typical "LP" fashion, this constitutes a delicious, early-drinking Poyferré that will be more approachable than other vintages. "

"(St Julien; 64% Cabernet Sauvignon; 27% Merlot; 8% Cabernet Franc; 1% Petit Verdot; a final yield of 26.4 hl/ha; 13% alcohol; tasted twice, the second time at the UGC press tasting at the Cité du Vin). This, too, is near the top of the pyramid in this vintage. Very elegant, refined and stylish with a glorious combination of both graphite and cedar generously enrobing the damson and purple berry fruits. Very darkly fruited in fact, even for Poyferré. In the mouth this has quite a narrow frame adding to the sense of profundity, depth and concentration that it would lack were it more ample. Not the most opulent or sumptuous vintage (a lovely contrast to Léoville Barton for instance and in this respect), but it is still a very beautiful expression of its terroir. I love the fresh verbena and menthol notes on the finish."