1986 Leoville Poyferre
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Tasting notes
The 1986 Léoville-Poyferré is certainly one of the best of the decade. Typical of the vintage on the nose, it offers a mélange of smoke and graphite on the nose, tighter than the previous vintage with good intensity. The palate is medium-bodied with firm grip, though it has loosened in recent years. Quite sturdy and gruff with a grainy, savory finish. Whilst not quite as good as the 1982 or 1989, this remains a fine Poyferré. Tasted at the vertical tasting with Didier Cuvelier in 2009.
Critic scores
Average Score
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Delicately aromatic. Silky, fresh, fine and gentle. Reserved and elegant. Lovely, and beautifully balanced with a kick of spice at the very end. (JH)
One of the more developed of the Medoc’s 1986s, this dark plum/ruby-colored wine is already showing some pink at its rim. The wine shows medium body, some dusty, gritty tannins, yet a sweet, spicy, plummy nose with black currants, minerals, and underbrush. The wine has reached its plateau of maturity, where it should stay for at least 10-15 years. A very good but unexciting effort from Leoville-Poyferre. Anticipated maturity: Now-2010. Last tasted, 3/02.
Lean and firm with ample tannins for aging and complex cedar, currant and s picy flavors that are young and undeveloped. Lacking depth and concentratio n for greatness. Best after 1993. Wine Spectator 1989.
About the producer
Ch. Léoville-Poyferré is a Second Growth Saint-Julien property that was once part of the same estate as Ch. Léoville Barton and Ch. Léoville Las Cases. It has the most complex and varied soils of the three and produces the most voluptuous, seductive style of wine.