Moulin Riche (Léoville Poyferré) 2016

The 2016 Moulin Riche, the second wine from Léoville Poyferré, comes from a completely separate 21-hectare vineyard. It has quite a punchy bouquet of high-toned black fruit laced with licorice and light violet aromas; there’s something almost raucous that I like here. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannin, a fine bead of acidity and a pleasant saltiness that manifests as black olive tapenade on the aftertaste. Classic Bordeaux from the Cuvelier family.

This shows focus and precision with currant, dark-berry and basil-leaf character on both the nose and palate. Full-bodied, tight and precise. Try after 2022.

From the team at Léoville Poyferré, the 2016 Château Moulin Riche checks in as 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and the rest Petit Verdot, all from a terroir slightly more inland with more clay soils. Aged 20 months in 25% new French oak, it’s a medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy effort that has powerful notes of cassis, blackcurrants, graphite, and dried soil, with maybe a hint of tobacco. With bright yet integrated acidity, beautiful fruit, and building tannins, it’s a terrific, impeccably made wine to enjoy over the coming 20+ years. 2019 - 2039