Léoville-Poyferré St-Julien 2016

98 points Jeb Dunnuck: "Tasted on four separate occasions where this wine rated 97+, 98, 98, and 99, the 2016 Château Léoville-Poyferré is a brilliant bottle of wine and is certainly in the same league as the 2000, 2003, 2009, and 2010. Made from 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, aged in 80% new oak, this brilliantly concentrated, full-bodied, opulent beast of a wine offers a heavenly bouquet of crème de cassis, blackcurrants, smoked earth, tobacco leaf, and ample crushed rocks. It’s certainly one of the most flamboyant and opulent wines in the vintage, yet it remains perfectly balanced, with masses of polished tannins, no hard edges, and a fabulous finish. It will be drinkable in 3-4 years yet keep for 3-4 decades. Drink: 2022-2062. (2/28/19)"

98 points Jane Anson (Decanter): "Relatively closed right now, as are all the St-Juliens, this takes time to open in the glass but does so to reveal lots of northern Médoc character in the liquorice and brambly fruit puree, with touches of caramel and sweet cassis. It's hewn out of slate boulders with layers of tannin - a lovely construction that's deepened even further during ageing. 2% Cabernet Franc finishes the blend. Matured in 80% new oak. Michel Rolland consults. Drinking Window: 2024-2040. (Oct 2018)"

97+ points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (Wine Advocate): "Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2016 Léoville Poyferré hits the ground running with intense cassis, violets, dark chocolate, menthol and fragrant earth notions complemented by nuances of cigar box and smoked meats. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is charged with energetic, super intense black fruit and floral layers, beautifully supported with super firm, ripe, grainy tannins and seamless freshness. This liquid is simply alive in the mouth, culminating in an epically long finish that will leave your mouth practically tingling. WOW! Drink: 2021-2050. (Nov 2018)"

97 points Wine Spectator: "Richly layered, with a core of well-steeped plum, blackberry and black currant fruit flavors cruising through, flanked by ganache, sweet tobacco and warm tar notes. There's a plush, toasty coating but the wine's energy and nearly unbridled fruit will easily soak that up. A last echo of violet is further evidence of a lovely evolution ahead. Best from 2025 through 2040. (3/31/19)"

97 points James Suckling: "Wow. The power and depth to this wine is super with a full , fleshy palate. Yet, it’s so tight and integrated with panache and energy. Chewy tannins, yet seamless and melted into the wine. Extremely long and beautiful. Very polished now. This needs at least five to six years to resolve the steely tannins that run through this wine. Take a look from 2024. A blend of 61 per cent cabernet sauvignon, 27 per cent merlot, eight per cent merlot and four per cent cabernet franc. (2/24/21)"

97 points Chris Kissack (Winedoctor): "The blend is 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 2% Cabernet Franc. This is a very modern style in the context of the commune, with the scents of smoky black cherry pie, black bean and smouldering charcoal. The palate is certainly imposing, broad, and although there is clearly substance and structure it comes presented in a fresh, broad, bright and surprisingly light-footed and savoury palate. An impressively poised wine, a serious effort with great intent, the surge of tannin which pops out in the finish says as much. All in all, very impressive, a wine which will go for decades in the cellar. (Dec 2018)"

96 points Peter Moser (Falstaff): "Deep ruby with an opaque core. Already approachable. Delicate floral notes underpin dark berry confit and touches of minerality, tangerine zest, and savoury oak. Taut and persistent with powerful black fruit, ripe cassis, and integrated tannins. Already showing good development, it has the potential to age well. (5/24/17)"