Château Léoville Poyferré 2005

2005 “The Apotheosis”

Very dry weather, without heat waves, hailed this  “sunny” yet classic vintage.

The fruit picked at incomparable ripeness allowed the making of a very fine wine that encourages the use of superlatives.

Our tasting notes – 2022

Shiny and limpid, the color of the 2005 vintage is a dark garnet with vermeil highlights.

Concentrated notes of toast and jammy black fruit emerge, followed by hints of cedar and eucalyptus that add a touch of freshness.

Full and plump on the palate, the tannins still have some grip, but the texture of the wine remains silky. Retro-olfaction confirms the aromas perceived on the nose: jammy blackcurrant, delicate oak, and blonde tobacco. This exhilarating vintage offers extraordinary aromatic persistence with a fresh finish.

Press reviews

Decanter – Jane Anson : 95 (12.07.2018)

“A gorgeous wine; mouthwatering, clear black fruits but with feathery touches of dried sage and chargrilled oak. The embers are still burning and the whole thing is just gearing up to its drinking window. Still fairly closed, this is a long-ageing vintage that is just starting to soften at 13 years old. I love how the tannins are so effortlessly soft and elongated, while still making their presence felt. It dances across the palate and, like the 2011 vintage, feels very much a reflection of its appellation.”

Vinous Media – Antonio Galloni : 93 (15.04.2021)

“An old school, powerful Saint-Julien, the 2005 Léoville-Poyferré packs a serious punch. Inky dark red fruit, iron, smoke, cedar, mint and white pepper lend striking aromatic depth. This virile, tannic Saint-Julien is a bruiser, but it is also pretty impressive. Tasting it feels like taking a step back in time.”

The Wine Advocate – Robert Parker : 92 – 95 (01.04.2007)

“While perhaps not up to the standards of the extraordinary 2003, the 2005 is still a strong effort from an estate that has been doing everything over the last two decades.  Sweet toasty oak intermixed with jammy black currant, plum, and licorice aromas jumps from the glass of this dense purple-hued wine.  In the mouth, there is great fruit, tannin, body, structure, and delineation. This impressively endowed, well-made St-Julien will require considerable patience (as will most 2005 Northern Medoc). Anticipated maturity 2015-2030.”

JamesSuckling.com – James Suckling : 96 (02.03.2021)

“Very clear and translucent with currants, blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that are layered and beautiful. Together and polished with plushness and beauty. Drink or hold.”