Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 2009

100 points Robert Parker: "One of the more flamboyant and sumptuous wines of the vintage, this inky/purple-colored St.-Julien reveals thrilling levels of opulence, richness and aromatic pleasures. A soaring bouquet of creme de cassis, charcoal, graphite and spring flowers is followed by a super-concentrated wine with silky tannins, stunning amounts of glycerin, a voluptuous, multilayered mouthfeel and nearly 14% natural alcohol. Displaying fabulous definition for such a big, plump, massive, concentrated effort, I suspect the tannin levels are high even though they are largely concealed by lavish amounts of fruit, glycerin and extract. Anticipated maturity: 2018-2040. (Feb 2012)"

100 points Jeb Dunnuck: "The greatest wine I’ve ever tasted from this address is the 2009 Léoville Poyferré, which is a step up over both the 2000 and the 2010. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and the balance Cabernet Franc that hit 13.9% alcohol, it offers everything you could ask of a wine and reveals a saturated purple color as well as incredible notes of crème de cassis, blueberries, lead pencil, exotic Spices, and dried flowers. Incredibly full-bodied, super concentrated, deep, and opulent, yet still pure, fresh, and lively, it has sweet tannin and a hedonistic vibe that hides its underlying structure. Drink it anytime over the coming three decades. Drink: 2018-2048. (2/15/18)"

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2009 Leoville Poyferre is medium to deep garnet-brick in color. It bursts from the glass with bombastic notions of kirsch, raspberry preserves, warm cassis, and stewed plums, plus suggestions of Ceylon tea, candied violets, and Indian spices. Medium-bodied, the palate is soft, plush, and seductive, delivering seamless freshness to lift the perfumed fruit to a long finish. Alcohol 13.5%. Drink: 2022-2042. (6/29/22)"

97 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2009 Léoville-Poyferré is a total pleasure bomb. Done in the more opulent style that was the norm then, the 2009 envelops the palate with plush dark fruit and soft contours. It is classic 2009. Our third flight is off with a bang. Drink: 2022-2049. (Feb 2023)"

97 points James Suckling: "Beautiful blueberries and blackberries with some blackcurrants and flowers on the nose. Some black olives and crushed stones, too. Full-bodied with creamy tannins and lovely depth. The tannins are so integrated and plush, but fine-grained. Persistent finish. A red that gives wonderful pleasure now, but will continue to do so for decades ahead. (3/2/21)"

97 points (18.5/20) La Revue du Vin de France (2014).

96+ points Howard Kaplan (International Wine Cellar): "Dark color. Soft, appealing nose offers scents that recall coffee bean, bitter chocolate, intense black plum skins and black earth. Lovely in the mouth as well; wine #10 seems to be more forthcoming than most other wines. There's a sweet, juicy eucalyptus flavor that adds to this wine's appeal. It's nicely balanced and finishes with length and consistency. Overall, a very enjoyable wine that seemed closer to maturity than most competitors. (May 2014)"

96 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "(60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, 6% Petit Verdot). You feel the warmth of the vintage in the form of powerfully ripe black fruits, touches of fig and leather and the ruby, garnet colour. I remember at the 10 Years On tasting back in 2019 that this stood out for its exuberance but for me you will find better balanced 2009 St Juliens but there is real joy to be had. Strong pencil lead and graphite flavours, and it steps up a gear as things open in the glass. On the attack you feel the generousity of the vintage, but halfway through the terroir and the appellation signature kick in, and it ends up with a gorgeous lift and juicy cassis and crushed mint finish. Could do with a little longer to really accentuate this character - go five more years if you can. Harvest Septeember 29 to 12 October. 80% new oak. Alcohol 14.1%. Drink: 2021-2045. (7/29/21)"

96 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2009 Léoville Poyferré has an outstanding bouquet with blackberry, mint and cedar aromas, almost Pauillac in style, very dense and with plenty of horsepower. The palate is medium-bodied with fine, saturated tannins that frame layers of blackberry infused with graphite and white pepper. I love the symmetry and control of this Poyferré, in particular its persistent finish. This is a magnificent wine from Didier Cuvelier. Drink: 2021-2045. (Mar 2019)"

96 points Decanter: "Rich, exotic and generous, this is still young and firm but light on its feet, dancing through the palate. There's lovely depth to the fruit, with a great silky texture. Those tannins bite in all the right places. Very good indeed. Drink: 2019-2040. (Feb 2019)"

96 points Wine Enthusiast: "An immensely structured wine, packed with dark tannins promising aging potential. It is complex, powerful, layered with new wood and concentration, finishing with dark plum fruits and acidity. (Feb 2012)"