Château-Leoville-Poyferre St. Julien 2000

Wow, this wine has really come on strong. A brilliant effort, it boasts an opaque purple color in addition to a gorgeously sweet nose (make that explosive nose) of blackberries and creme de cassis intermixed with minerals, smoke, and earth. The 2000 is opulent, full-bodied, and much more accessible than either of its two Leoville siblings, Leoville Las Cases or Leoville Barton, with low acidity, sweet tannin, and a layered, sumptuous finish. It continues to improve dramatically and looks to be a great success, rivaling the brilliant 1996 and 1990. Anticipated maturity: 2009-2030.

Superb. Vivid, with lovely aromas of berries, minerals, toasted oak and leather. Full-bodied, with extremely well-integrated tannins and a long finish. A wine to remember. Best ever from this estate. Best after 2010.

A solid wine, well structured, with soft but supple tannins that frame a core of blackberry, cassis, toast, coffee, anise and herb notes. The finish has a hint of sage and thyme, ending with moderate length. Good Bordeaux from a good year. Kosher.