Château Léoville Poyferré 1998

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.

Well done. Aromas of black truffles and ripe fruit introducing a full-bodied wine with lots of fruit and velvety tannins. A mouthful. Amazing for the vintage in the Médoc. Best after 2006. 18,330 cases made.

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 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.

A nice wine, fully mature, with a softness to the fruit and tannins. There is no hurry to drink this, but it's probably not going to move much from here.

Radiant ruby-purple with lilac reflections at the rim. Already remarkably accessible Nose, cedar touch, cherries, even a luscious raspberry note. Sensational Palate, fine tannins, plenty of juice and substance, beautiful balance, powerful finish. We have never encountered such a red-fruited Poyferré with such Pinot affinity, a Saint-Julien delicacy.

Spicy, deep, classic bouquet, black cassis, fine oak, Black Currant. Powerful, rustic palate with good tannin, strong dark aromatics, muscular structure, long, aromatic finish. 18/20 drink - 2030

Classic cedar aroma, tight texture, wood less refined than the fruit, but a beautiful future ahead.

A pleasant surprise! Delicate nose, fruity and moderately aromatic. Palate perfectly balanced and complete, savoury, very fruity with a medium finish. A very smooth wine that is ready to drink.