Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2002

WEINWISSER: "Sattes, dichtes Violett-Purpur mit schwarzen Reflexen. Würziges, fast tintiges Bouquet, Gewürznelken, Rauch, Trüffel und Brombeeren. Kompakter, fester Gaumen, enorme Adstringenz, feinsandige Textur, intensive, forschende Cabernet-Aromatik, ein Gerbstoff-Bulldozer mit mächtigen, bourgeoisen Konturen."

DECANTER: "This is full of vigour and life – an enjoyable wine from a challenging year. At this stage in its development the cassis notes are merging with tannins, which are starting to soften but haven't forgotten what they're here for. Good balance, with a lovely fresh edge at the close of play as it rises rather than falls, and the menthol notes are very attractive. A slight tightness on the finish tells you that the fruit is a heartbeat away from full ripeness, and although this will age well it lacks some characteristic generosity. The rest of the blend is made up of Petit Verdot."

THE WINE ADVOCATE: "This wine has completely shut down since it’s been bottled but exhibits a saturated ruby/purple color, high levels of tannin, and sweet, noble black currant fruit intermixed with some licorice, espresso roast, and pain grille. In the vernacular, it is closed for business, with medium to full body, high levels of tannin, and good acidity in a more structured, classic style than the 2003. This is a big, traditionally made wine to forget for a good 5-8 years."

THE WINE CELLAR INSIDER: "Secondary notes of tobacco, earth, wet leaf and olive, which add to the cassis, blackberry and red fruits. The tannins are firm, ending in a finish of blackberries and earth . This is showing better than the last time I tasted it. You can drink this now, or age it for a few years, as it could improve."