Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 2014

96 points (18/20) La Revue du Vin de France: "The 2014 is a very fine success that shines with the brightness of its fruit and its pulpy side, with a mid-palate that remains very tasty. (2018)"

97 points Neal Martin (Vinous): "The 2014 Léoville Poyferré has a very complex bouquet with blackberry, bilberry, crushed stone, cedar and hints of violet. It is extremely focused, intense rather than overtly powerful. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, crisp and generous, conveying much more tension and precision than the Léoville Las-Cases. It gradually fans out in the second half with real mineralité, quite profound in the context of the vintage. Outstanding. Tasted blind at the annual Southwold tasting. Drink: 2024-2055. (Mar 2018)"

95 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "I find a smoky and scented nose here, dark with nuanced black violet and rose petal scents, this floral detailing coming across the aromas of damsons and peppered blackberries. There follows an impressive showing on the palate, which is broad, quite creamy in terms of texture, fresh and pure, with an undeniable weight and substance which serves to push back the boundaries of what can be expected from the vintage. What is more, underneath there are also some impressively ripe and tightly knit tannins, which lead into a long and tannic finish. This is a very impressive wine which is realising its early potential. (Nov 2018)"

95 points Antonio Galloni (Vinous): "The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is gorgeous. Dark, sumptuous and ample on the palate, it possesses remarkable depth. Dark cherry, plum, smoke, scorched earth, licorice and menthol all flesh out as this radiant, deeply expressive wine shows off its considerable pedigree. The 2014 is going to need time to fully come together, but it is super-impressive. Tasted two times. Drink: 2020-2039. (Feb 2017)"

95 points International Wine Report: "The 2014 Léoville Poyferré is a uttetly fascinating wine which begins with striking aromas of blackberries cherries, floral, spices, roasted coffee, toast and graphite taking shape beautifully in the glass. On the palate this is medium to full-bodied with a gorgeous rich, lavish texture with outstanding overall structure, balance and depth all leading into the long, sleek finish. This is already showing plenty of early appeal, however it will ultimately be an age worthy wine which will thrive in the cellar for years to come. The Poyferré is remarkable value in its class, and should not be missed. Drinking Window: 2020-2034. (Oct 2017)"

94 points Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): "67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 27% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc. This is big-shouldered, with plenty of sculpted, carefully-extracted tannins. Layer upon layer of savoury and mouthwatering cassis and bilberry fruits, showing their creamy texture only once things relax in the glass. Teasingly gourmet notes of liquorice, black chocolate, slate and charcoal play alongside the fruit. This is a seriously impressive Poyferré, where the drama builds slowly and promises a long life ahead. Juicy on the finish. Harvest September 22 to October 11. 80% new oak. The 100th vintage for Léoville Poyferré under the Cuvelier family. Tasted blind (along with the rest of the St Juliens) and it stood out as exceptionally good quality. Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2024-2034. (10/24/21)"

94 points Georgina Hindle (Decanter): "Real perfume on the nose here, so floral with peonies, rich blackcurrants and summer berry notes. Lovely clarity and precision on the palate, soft and delicate with such poise. It's not so expansive right now, a little shy perhaps, but the quality is excellent with the terroir signatures of wet stone and graphite coming through. This has just an easy-drinking appeal, delicately layered but with a juiciness and tannic structure that will ensure a long life ahead. Truly a lovely wine. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot. Harvest 1-14 October. Drinking Window: 2024-2046. (Mar 2022)"

94 points James Suckling: "A ripe, generous and substantial wine for this appellation with some real concentration. Plenty of beautiful currant and blackberry character, as well as a solid core of ripe, dusty and velvety tannins and enough acidity to carry the long, savory finish. Slight lean now. Better in 2024. (2/24/21)"

94 points Wine Enthusiast: "The wine is concentrated with tannins that come from both the firm fruit and the wood aging. It is packed with blackberry flavors that come through the structure strongly. The velvet texture (that is just a hint at the moment) is going to bring out the richness of this wine produced with consultation from Michel Rolland. Drink from 2024. Alcohol 13.5%. (Feb 2017)"