An absolute must purchase, and probably still a reasonable bargain, is Leoville-Poyferre's 1990. I rated this wine highly in pre-cask tastings, and followed that with an enthusiastic review in Issue #85 (2-28-93) (rating it 92). Since then I have had the wine three times, each time providing persuasive evidence that this is indeed a great Leoville-Poyferre. The two best Poyferres of recent decades have been the 1982 and 1983, but I am beginning to think the 1990 is superior. The wine exhibits a profoundly deep, opaque ruby/purple color, a fabulous nose of jammy, sweet, cassis fruit intertwined with scents of minerals and toasty oak. Still youthful and full-bodied, with low acidity, high tannin, and fabulous extract and purity, this is an awesomely-endowed Leoville-Poyferre that is just beginning to evolve. It requires another decade of cellaring, and it should last 30+ years. Admittedly, I gave it top marks early on, but it is even a greater wine than I had envisioned. To the extent that stocks still exist (I saw prices in the $350-$425 a case range in December, 1996), this is a must purchase. RP
Deep red-ruby. Remarkably complex aromas of chestnuts, earth, truffle, shoe polish and a cigar-box nuance. Suave, intensely flavored fruit; a very youthful, sharply defined and thoroughly delicious wine of great finesse. Finishes firm and long. Our favorite Poyferré since the '83. The three Léovilles are stunning—and completely different in style—in 199. 91(+?), use more clarity and nuance. Should be accessible early.- Stephen Tanzer (11/1993)
Producer: Leoville Poyferre
Vintage: 1990
Varietal: Red Blend
Country: France
Region: Bordeaux
Sub-Region: Medoc
Appellation: St Julien
Sub-Appellation:
SKU: #
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