1993 Leoville Poyferre

Leoville-Poyferre is making greater and greater efforts to push the quality level closer to that of its neighbor, Leoville-Las-Cases. The hiring of the famed oenologist, Michel Rolland, the beginning of malolactic fermentation in barrel (started in 1994), a stricter selection process, and the construction of a superb new cuverie are all signs that Leoville-Poyferre is set to emerge as one of the stars of the northern Medoc. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with sweet, perfumed, blackcurrant fruit, this wine offers a round, supple entry on the palate, medium body, ripe fruit, not a great deal of power or volume, but fine purity, some intriguing chocolate and smoky notes, and a velvety-textured, lush finish. A high percentage of Merlot was used in the final blend, a fact confirmed by this tasty, elegant wine.

Leoville-Poyferre is making greater and greater efforts to push the quality level closer to that of its neighbor, Leoville-Las-Cases. The hiring of the famed oenologist, Michel Rolland, the beginning of malolactic fermentation in barrel (started in 1994), a stricter selection process, and the construction of a superb new cuverie are all signs that Leoville-Poyferre is set to emerge as one of the stars of the northern Medoc. Dark ruby/purple-colored, with sweet, perfumed, blackcurrant fruit, this wine offers a round, supple entry on the palate, medium body, ripe fruit, not a great deal of power or volume, but fine purity, some intriguing chocolate and smoky notes, and a velvety-textured, lush finish. A high percentage of Merlot was used in the final blend, a fact confirmed by this tasty, elegant wine. Feb 1997, www.robertparker.com