2022 Ch Leoville-Poyferre 2ème Cru, St Julien

A very solid LP with black berry, blackcurrant, crushed stone and lavender character. Full and really well structured with a linear length to it. Focused and so polished. Thoughtful. 58% cabernet sauvignon, 34% merlot, 4% cabernet franc and 4% petit verdot.

96-97 points James Suckling

The 2022 Léoville Poyferré has turned out very nicely, offering up aromas of crème de cassis, cherries, violets and creamy new oak, followed by a medium to full-bodied, rich and fleshy palate that's ripe but lively, with supple tannins and a long, vanillin-inflected finish. This year, the team began picking their Merlot comparatively early and didn't perform a saignée (tank bleed), given the natural concentration of the vintage, though it remains the most flamboyant and demonstrative of the three Léoville estates, seeing some 80% new oak with malolactic fermentation in barrique for the new barrels. It will be a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot and the balance Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.

94-96 points William Kelley for The Wine Advocate

Dense and succulent fruit and tannins, beautifully powerful, with fresh acidities, beautifully spicy with notes of black cherries, fresh figs, eucalyptus, rosemary, rose petals and cassis. Muscular tannins shot through with salted caramel sweetness, lifted by saffran and slate. Accomplished, impressive. Harvest September 8 to 28. 80% new oak from 16 different coopers.

96 points Jane Anson

I was blown away by the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré, which is a classic blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. Harvest spanned from the 8th to the 28th of September, the vinification is in tronconique tanks (parcel by parcel), and the élevage will span 18-20 months in 80% new barrels. This inky hued beauty offers that rare mix of power and elegance and offers ample cassis and assorted blue fruits, full-bodied richness, an opulent, concentrated, yet flawlessly balanced mouthfeel, velvety tannins, and plenty of classic Saint-Julien violets, espresso roast, and crushed stone-like minerality. Despite its incredible concentration and depth, it stays beautifully balanced. In a region that seems to only talk about finesse and elegance, it's a relief to still have producers such as this producing powerful, intense, singular wines. Hats off to the Cuvelier family and their team.

97-100 points Jeb Dunnuck

The 2022 Leoville Poyferre is made from 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot, with a yield of 33.4 hl/ha. It bursts onto the scene with gregarious scents of blackcurrant preserves, wild blueberries, and rose oil, leading to wafts of candied violets, licorice, and crushed rocks with a hint of cinnamon stick. The medium to full-bodied palate is rich, plush, and impactful, delivering beautiful tension and very respectable, fine-grained tannins, finishing long and opulent. This is a show-stopper! pH 3.87, TPI 93.

96-98 points Lisa Perrotti Brown 

Very strong color, intense nose, with roasted notes, mocha, dark fruit and floral aromas, including stony cool, very classy. Dense on the palate, a mouthful of wine, distinctive tannin structure, very finely interwoven with the fruit, the wine shows fullness, freshness and a lot of precision, the finish is impressively long. Excellent quality, as often. Big reserves. 2030-2060

96-97 points AvV vvwine

Another excellent showcase for this estate run by Sara Lecompte Cuvelier. Supple, lively, fresh and round, a nice controlled core of red and black fruit - blackcurrants, cherries and violets with juicy acidity and lean tannins that are fine and well integrated. This feels powerful and concentrated no doubt but the strength comes underneath the fruit and acidity, like a creeping tiger waiting to pounce. Lovely frame and execution, feels on the more opulent and potent side but the acidity and tannin definition is brilliant and this has a really drinkable and moreish quality. 4% Petit Verdot completes the blend. 3.87pH. 9% press wine. A yield of 33.4hl/ha. 75% grand vin production. Julien Viaud consultant. Tasted three times and was impressed each time. Ageing 18-20 months in French oak barrels, 80% new, 20% second fill.

96 points Decanter

Château Léoville Poyferré has risen to become one of Saint Julien's most compelling Second Growths, producing wines that combine the grandeur of the Médoc with remarkable polish and precision. Under the stewardship of the Cuvelier family and the direction of Didier Cuvelier and Sara Lecompte Cuvelier, the estate has earned worldwide acclaim for Cabernet led wines that consistently rival Bordeaux's First Growths in exceptional vintages.

The vineyards occupy some of Saint Julien's finest Günz gravel soils, where Cabernet Sauvignon is complemented by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. The outstanding 2022 vintage produced fruit of extraordinary ripeness, concentration and freshness, resulting in a wine of immense depth, seamless balance and extraordinary ageing potential.

The colour is an inky garnet with youthful purple highlights. Aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry and plum are entwined with cedar, graphite, violets and fine cigar box notes. The palate is powerful yet effortlessly refined, carrying waves of dark fruit across velvety tannins and vibrant acidity. Notes of cocoa, crushed stone, liquorice and subtle spice unfold through an exceptionally long, harmonious finish that reflects the pedigree of this great Saint Julien estate.

A magnificent companion to dry aged rib eye, roast saddle of lamb, venison loin or beef Wellington with black truffle. While breathtaking today with extended decanting, this superb Second Growth will continue to evolve gracefully through the 2050s.