Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2011, St Julien (1x75cl)

The Bartons never make a bad wine; they always offer outstanding value and also have a knack of producing gorgeous wines in slightly off vintages. This may make life a tad predictable but it certainly explains why Langoa-Barton rightly flies out the door year in, year out. Made from almost 78% Cabernet Sauvignon, their 2007 is a particularly good edition with lovely pure plums and damsons on the nose and surprisingly refined, fresh, creamy raspberries and cassis on the palate. There is surprising weight, grip and focus although a fleshy structure will ensure highly pleasurable early drinking.

//Another super effort from this estate, Leoville Poyferre-s 2011 possesses an opaque purple color in addition to a ripe, fragrant nose of black currant fruit, cedar, white chocolate and a touch of oak. Rich, layered and medium to full-bodied with unmistakable elegance and purity, vibrant acids and a fresh, lively personality, it will need 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades.//

//Opaque, very deep purple-ruby. Deep, brooding nose hints at blackcurrant, graphite and cedar. Dense, rich and suave, with captivating sweetness to the flavors of blackcurrant, mint and flint. The finish is pure, creamy and long, with smooth spicy tannins I love this wine’s pure black fruit nose, and its harmonious acidity really extends and lifts its flavors. This chateau has been on a roll of late.//

//This shows a currant and berries with dark chocolate character. Full and chewy with a bright acidity. Structured too. A little austere. Wait and see. Only about 40% of the normal production. 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 6% Petit Verdot.//

//A very ripe, fleshy, gutsy style, with mouthfilling tar, espresso, braised fig and dark plum notes still waiting to meld fully. The broad, muscular finish has a nice briary edge. Impressive. //