93

Antonio Galloni

Vinous

The 2005 Léoville-Poyferré really needed a number of hours to come together. An old school, powerful Saint-Julien, the 2005 Léoville-Poyferré packs a serious punch. Inky dark red fruit, iron, smoke, cedar, mint and white pepper lend striking aromatic depth. This virile, tannic Saint-Julien is a bruiser, but it is also pretty impressive. Tasting it feels like taking a step back in time. 04/2021

92

Neal Martin

Vinous

The 2005 Léoville Poyferré has quite a perfumed and minty bouquet, a common trait across many of the Left Bank '05s. Firm tannins frame plenty of tarry black fruit on the boldly styled palate. The 2005 is fresh but a little more tannic than the wines made nowadays. Dense and a little sinewy on the finish, this will certainly require decanting if broached now. 06/2025

93

Stephen Tanzer

Vinous

Saturated ruby-red. Deeply pitched aromas of black cherry, currant and coffee. Sweet, silky and full, but with lovely ripe acidity to frame the dense black fruit, mocha and mineral flavors. Showing a glossy aspect to its fruit that is exhilarating, even if this deep, fairly tannic wine is a bit sullen at present, despite showing excellent back-end breadth. This is a full 13.5% alcohol; the petit verdot component reached 14.5% potential alcohol in 2005, said Cuvelier, who describes 2005 as "a year of sun but not surmaturite. 05/2008

93

Robert M. Parker, Jr.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate

Léoville Poyferré’s dense ruby/purple 2005 is soft, round and juicy, with lots of blackcurrant fruit, plum and Asian spice. It is medium to full-bodied and, along with Léoville Las Cases and Saint-Pierre, probably one of the best St.-Juliens I tasted in this retrospective. It is surprisingly supple and accessible. Drink it over the next 15 or so years. 06/2015

95

Jeb Dunnuck

Jeb Dunnuck

The 2005 Château Léoville Poyferré isn't the most powerful and opulent vintage of Poyferré, and while I think it checks in behind the 2000 and 2009 and 2010, it's nevertheless a beautiful, classic Poyferré relying more on finesse and elegance than overt power. That's not to say it's lightweight, and this medium to full-bodied, concentrated Saint-Julien offers terrific depth in its ripe currants, cherry jam, graphite, spring flower, and leafy tobacco-like aromas and flavors. Easily in its prime drink window, it has wonderful fruit, a fine thread of both tannins and acidity, and outstanding length. It will continue to drink brilliantly for two decades. 04/2024

96

James Suckling

James Suckling

Very clear and translucent with currants, blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that are layered and beautiful. Together and polished with plushness and beauty. Drink or hold. 02/2021