2021 Léoville-Poyferré Pavillon de Poyferre

Another thoroughly satisfying second wine that I'd be happy to drink, the 2021 Pavillon De Léoville Poyferré has up-front red and black fruits as well as some tobacco notes in its medium-bodied, elegant, yet still nicely concentrated profile. It has the vintage's fresh, focused style while bringing plenty of charm and texture. It will evolve gracefully for 10-12+ years.

The 2021 Pavillon de Léoville-Poyferré has held on to that graphite-tinged bouquet, but it has developed a touch more precision during its barrel maturation. The palate is medium-bodied with a smooth entry and fine tannins, quite cohesive and focused with a pleasingly spicy finish that lingers in the mouth. This is a very capable Deuxième Vin that will benefit from three to four years in bottle.

The 2021 Pavillon de Léoville-Poyferré is a pretty serious second wine that will need a few years to be at its best. A potent, resonant wine, the Pavillon pulses with textural intensity. Dark red cherry, chalk, mint, white pepper, cedar and dried flowers all race across the palate. The Pavillon is a blend from young plantings that have been replanted in old vines (about 2% a year), young-vine parcels and end rows, where yields are always a bit higher than they are in the central portions of the vineyard. The 2021 is an exquisite wine and a fine option for readers looking for a reasonably priced alternative to Bordeaux's high-flyers. It’s also a smart choice for any sommelier or restaurant buyer who wants to list a bottle that overdelivers for the price.