Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 2000

98 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "Not included in any of my previous retrospective tastings of this vintage, this second-growth estate was at the time of this vintage busy cementing in place a new reputation for quality. After a super 1996, the 2000 vintage surely sealed the deal. This has a seriously dark colour, really quite opaque, but with some light behind it appears glossy and pure, with a dark cherry hue. The nose is simply fabulous, there is no other way to describe it, providing the very essence of blackcurrant laced with nuances of tar, black olive, currant and black bean, along with a fragrant scent of pink rose petals. And the palate doesn’t disappoint either, kicking off with an amazing texture, but also a pure acid frame, lending the wine a fabulous vivacity, purity and pristine balance, the wine just dancing across the palate, with some soft and polished tannins still gently rolling through the middle and finish. It is so long and energetic. Drink now for the brooding joy of it, but this has decades left in the tank yet. (Jun 2018)"

97 points Robert Parker: "The plushest, most ostentatious and dramatic of all the Leovilles in 2000, this wine is already sumptuous, displaying some nuances in its huge nose of vanilla bean, black chocolate, jammy black cherries, cassis, and graphite in a flamboyant style. Opulent, savory, rich, and full-bodied, it is a head-turning, prodigious wine and a complete contrast to the extracted behemoth of Leoville Barton and the backward, classic Leoville Las Cases. The Poyferre’s low acidity, sweet tannin and an already gorgeous mouthfeel make it a wine to drink now as well as over the next 25 or more years. (Jun 2010)"

97 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Absolutely knockout stuff, the 2000 Léoville Poyferré is a sexy, layered, totally irresistible Bordeaux that’s firing on all cylinders today. Sporting a deep ruby/purple color and blockbuster notes of blackcurrants, lead pencil shavings, cedar and tobacco, this concentrated, powerful 2000 has a rounded, opulent texture, sweet tannin, and a huge finish. It’s a quintessential Poyferré and my only regret is I didn’t buy more. It’s going to keep for another two decades. Drink: 2018-2038. (2/15/18)"

95 points Neal Martin (Wine Advocate): "Tasted blind at Bordeaux Index’s 2000 tasting in London. A sensuous, ripe, harmonious bouquet soars seductively from the glass; red-berried fruit, leather, scorched earth, orange peel and a touch of marmalade. Very good definition. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins, lovely focus and purity, seamless texture, cedar and smoke laced black fruits with a touch of graphite towards the finish. This 2000 just does not put a foot wrong. Bravo Didier! Drink 2013-2035. Tasted March 2010. (Sep 2010)"

95 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot). Olive tapenade, leather, black tea, liquorice, alongside ripe blackberry fruits that remain generous at 21 years old. There are plenty of fine but firm tannins and after a stubborn start the vintage is finally starting to relax and open up. As you settle in, the sweet fruit falls away to allow a complex addition of licking salinity with crushed stones and slate texture, with remnants of the toasted oak that it was aged in giving a smoky seductive finish. Ready to drink with a short decanting. Harvest September 26 to October 10. This was Isabelle Davin's first year as technical director, with Michel Rolland consultant since 1996. Blending at the end of ageing at the time (through to 2005). 80% new oak. Drink: 2021-2030. Alcohol 13%. (7/29/21)"

94 points Wine Spectator: "Superb. Vivid, with lovely aromas of berries, minerals, toasted oak and leather. Full-bodied, with extremely well-integrated tannins and a long finish. A wine to remember. Best ever from this estate. Best after 2010. (3/31/03)"

94 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "The nose, the palate, and the tannins are in complete harmony, relying more on finesse and elegance than body. A lovely and aristocratic wine. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"

4 stars, Highly Recommended Decanter: "Decadent berries, savoury minerals. Intense fruit, integrated tannins. From 2010. (Dec 2010)"