1998 Château Léoville-Poyferré
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Tasting notes
The 1998 Léoville-Poyferré is quintessentially 1998 on the nose with its quasi-Napa like blueberry and blackberry fruit, ostentatious and almost garish compared to other vintages, inkwell and violet scents bursting forth. The palate is rich and succulent, less glossy than it once showed, those tannins perhaps coarser than I remember as the finish has polymerised. What is missing is the finesse of later vintages, almost as if this is trying too hard to compete, yet well-stored bottles will continue to offer pleasure. Tasted from an ex-château bottle at a dinner in Bordeaux.
Critic scores
Wine Spectator
Robert Parker
More reviews and scores
Herbal and sweet undergrowth aromas but also quite cedary. Delicate and evolving nicely. Very good balance though just slightly dry on the finish (JH)
The dark ruby-colored, medium-bodied 1998 offers aromas of underbrush, black currants, cherries, minerals, and vanillin. While sweet, rich, and stylish, it lacks the depth necessary to merit an outstanding score. Drink it over the next 12-14 years.
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.