Château Léoville Poyferré 2016

The magic of the summer solstice

As the saying goes, “After the rain comes the sun.”  This rang true on June 21st, the first day of summer.  Suddenly, as if by magic, the sun shone brightly and continued until harvest, bringing on a salutary dry spell after winter and a rainy spring.

Sumptuous fruitiness, unctuosity of 2009, balance and density of 2010…  Such are the characteristics of 2016, with remarkable length on the palate, the seduction and elegance of one of the greatest vintages.

Our tasting notes – 2022

This youthful 2016 displays a bright, limpid garnet color with purple highlights.

Enticing notes of black fruit burst from the glass, expressing beautiful concentration and youthfulness. Hints of spice are revealed after aeration, giving this wine further depth.

Plump and dense on the palate, the tannins possess a generous, creamy structure. Hints of gingerbread and nutmeg complement the intense fruit. A remarkable finish emerges with elegance and freshness.

Press reviews

James Suckling.com – James Suckling : 97 (02.03.2021)

“A difficult vintage, although properties such as this, close to the protective environment of the Gironde, suffered much less with the frost. Aromatically this feels dense and structured, although I feel it is showing a little dusty evolution at the rim. It has a quite delightful nose, even if the oak is a more evident contributor here, the smoked blackcurrant and damson fruits swirled with ribbons of cedar, pencil shavings, white peach, white freesia and menthol, with a very elegant integration. The palate is medium-bodied and restrained in style, with a supple and svelte texture. At its heart is a fine layering of ripe tannins, perfume, menthol-infused fruit and white peach. Finely composed and svelte, I can see this evolving slowly over a decade or more to a state of ethereal elegance. Well done.”

Vinous – Antonio Galloni : 94 – 97 (11.08.2020)

“A huge, soaring wine, the 2016 Léoville Poyferré is powerful, vivid and captivating. Vertical tannins and massive concentration belie the wine’s 13.6% alcohol. The more virile, brooding side of Saint-Emilion comes through in this decidedly potent wine. In 2016, many Saint-Juliens possess incredible richness and voluptuousness. Léoville Poyferré is arguably the most tannic and brooding of the wines of the appellation. I suspect the 2016 will take many years to be at its very best. A rush of dark fruit, leather, smoke, tobacco and chocolate add the final shades of nuance.”

Wine Spectator – James Molesworth : 95 – 98 (31.03.2019)

“The deep well of gorgeous cassis, blueberry paste and blackberry puree flavors will carry this for the long haul. Shows a terrific graphite underpinning and a flash of cold charcoal. This is a big one.”

Vintage information in other languages

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