Professional ratings (major critics)
Across leading critics, the wine consistently lands in the 93–98 point range:
- Jane Anson (Inside Bordeaux): 98/100
- Jeb Dunnuck: 95–97/100
- Antonio Galloni (Vinous): 95–97/100
- James Suckling: 95–96/100
- Wine Spectator: 95/100
- Wine Advocate (William Kelley): 93–95/100
- Decanter / Falstaff / others: ~95–96/100 range
Typical aggregated critical band:
95–97 pts (strong “near-legendary” level for the vintage)
Tasting profile (professional notes)
Across critics (Vinous, WA, Suckling, Dunnuck), the wine is described as:
Aroma
- Cassis, blackberry, plum
- Graphite, pencil lead, cedar
- Violet, spice, mocha, crushed stone
Palate
- Medium to full-bodied
- Very fine-grained tannins
- “Creamy yet structured” texture
- Juicy core of dark fruit with freshness and lift
Style evolution (important note from critics)
Several reviewers highlight that 2023 shows:
- Less overt power than 2018–2022
- More vibrancy and refinement
- A move toward a slightly more classic Saint-Julien balance
Drinking window (consensus)
- Start: ~2028–2033
- Peak: 2033–2048+
Bottom line (professional consensus)
The 2023 Léoville Poyferré is considered:
- A top Saint-Julien of the vintage
- Slightly less massive but more elegant and precise
- One of the estate’s most refined modern expressions
98pts Jane Anson
Brilliant Poyferré, deep ruby colour, setting the scene for ink, campfire, espresso, mint, cassis and damson. Concentrated but with a delicious balance, this feels effortless and is truly a wine for Bordeaux lovers to seek out. Harvest September 14 to October 5. 80% new oak, 52hl/h yields, biggest since 2004, with more 1st wine than usual because the old Cabernet Sauvignon plots gave quality and quantity (after three low quantity years). Alix Combes new vineyard manager, replacing long time manager Bruno Clenet.
95-97pts Vinous
The 2023 Léoville Poyferré is positively stellar. Medium in body, vibrant and beautifully persistent, the 2023 is all class. It also signals a shift away from the richer (but equally successful) style favored here in the recent past, now moving toward an approach that favors more vibrancy. Dark red-toned fruit, blood orange, spice, mocha and cedar infuse the 2023 with notable freshness and verve. The new Léoville Poyferré is quite the stunner. - Antonio Galloni
97pts Jeb Dunnuck
Heavenly stuff, the 2023 Château Léoville Poyferré checks in as 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot that spent 18-20 months in 80% new French oak. It brings more sexiness and richness than most in the vintage, yet it isn't over the top and plays in the more classic, elegant style of the vintage. Crème de cassis, spring flowers, violets, graphite, and spicy wood all show on the nose, and it's medium to full-bodied, with a pure, graceful, and layered mouthfeel, beautiful tannins, and a great finish. I love its purity, and this is just loaded with charm. While it's already hard to resist, it should evolve gracefully on its balance, purity, and elegance. Drink 2030-2055.
95-97pts Vinous
The 2023 Château Léoville Poyferré was picked from September 14th until October 5th at 52.78hL/ha and aged in slightly less new oak than usual, simply because of the large volume. In fact, some of the lots commenced their malolactic fermentation in vat rather than in barrel. This has an intense bouquet with black cherries and iodine, becoming more floral with aeration. The palate opens with a medium body and pliant tannins, fleshy and ripe, dovetailing into a dense and multi-tiered mid-palate. Typical Poyferré in style, blood orange and light graphite notes are embroidered into the ripe black fruit, and there is noticeable glycerol an the finish. It is perhaps the most opulent of the three Léovilles, and yet it arrives with a modest 13.1% alcohol. This is a contender for the best Saint-Julien in show.
95-96pts James Suckling
This is already very pretty and polished with plenty of currant and plum character. Medium- to full-bodied with creamy, round tannins and a juicy finish. Caressing. Very refined.
93-95pts The Wine Independent
The 2023 Leoville Poyferre is deep garnet-purple in color. Notes of cedar chest and cracked black pepper open out to a core of juicy plums and fresh blackcurrants followed by hints of Provence herbs, lavender, and mossy tree bark. The medium-bodied palate delivers compelling tension with a firm, fine-grained texture and pure black berry flavors, finishing on a floral note. The blend is 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot, with pH 3.68 and TPI 76.
92pts Decanter
Some herbal tones on the nose, green cabernet markers, menthol, liquorice and bramble fruit. Rich and ripe, a feeling of plush fruit with gorgeous soft tannins. A touch of spice and real lick of graphite, liquorice and cedar gives the spiced aspect around the sides of the mouth but this has lots of freshness too. Lifted and pure. Really nicely framed. Juicy and easy. Not so layered, but equally very easy going. Feels like they've taken the foot off the pedal, which is totally right and suits the estate - more finesse on show than usual in this second wine. 6% Petit Verdot completes the blend.
History
Due to a division of the large Léoville estate, Chateau Léoville Poyferré was created in 1840 and included as a Second Growth in the famous 1855 Classification. In 1920, the Cuvelier family purchased the estate and Didier Cuvelier has been in charge since 1979.
Major investments were made to bring out the best in the vineyards, and the cellars were also renovated. In 1994, noted consulting oenologist Michel Rolland began to offer his precious winemaking advice. The final blend is made after many careful tastings. Chateau Léoville Poyferré is aged in oak barrels, 75% of which are new every year. It is an extremely well-balanced wine with a great deal of finesse and excellent aging potential.
