Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 2001

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$80 list] The completeness of 2001, with its miraculous balance, is present in this wine. The acidity, ripe blackcurrants sit comfortably on top of dry tannins, the fleshiness of the fruit taking the edge off the tannins. It seems to bring out the structure, the fruit and the refreshing acidity of great Cabernet. A Cellar Selection. (12/16/07)"

94 points William Kelley (Wine Advocate): "A wine that is emerging as a major sleeper of the vintage, the 2001 Léoville Poyferré bursts from the glass with aromas of cassis, ripe blackberries, loamy soil, cigar wrapper and violets. Medium to full-bodied, rich and concentrated, with a deep core of fruit, lively acids and powdery structuring tannins, it's an intensely flavored, rather dramatic rendition of the year that has hit its plateau of maturity. Drink: 2021-2041. (2/28/22)"

94 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot). Soft and gentle leather, earth and spice, this is beautiful and balaced, with grilled cedar, soot, softened blackberry and bilberry notes, just a great reflection of St Julien finesse. A touch of bottle variation in the examples of this wine that I have tried over the past few years, but when they are good they are great. Lilting, juicy, a long slow burn, totally moreish. 80% new oak. Alcohol 13.4%. Drink: 2021-2036. (7/29/21)"

94 points Decanter: "The finesse of St-Julien comes through clearly in the glass, heightened by both bottle age the character of the 2001 vintage itself. Expect cured leather, baked earth and cigar-box spice, with softened blackberry and bilberry fruits. Totally moreish. 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Merlot, 5% Petit Verdot; 80% new oak. Drink 2022-2036. (2022)"

93 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2001 Léoville Poyferré, which I had not tasted for a decade, is very harmonious on the nose and features slightly darker fruit than the 2000, offering blackberry, cedar, fresh tobacco and smoke aromas. The palate is medium-bodied with rounded, lithe tannins, fresher than the 2000 and more backward. It has a disarming velvety texture and turns spicy toward the finish. Hints of clove and bay leaf linger on the aftertaste. Excellent. Drink: 2021-2045. (Sep 2021)"

93 points Wine & Spirits (Dec 2004).

92 points Jeff Leve (The Wine Cellar Insider): "Tobacco, cigar box, earth, mocha, espresso and blackberry aromas are right there when you want them. On the palate, the wine is soft, lush, silky, expressive and clean, plus it's drinking today. (Jul 2013)"

92 points Bettane & Desseauve's Guides to the Wines of France: "Magnificent Saint-Julien of an aristocratic and irreproachable balance, with rich body and character. Drink: 2011 up to 2020. (2011)"