THIS! …is the most famous Grand Cru you’ve never heard of! Are you a Bordeaux fan as big as we are? Well, Château Léoville Poyferré, one of the five 2nd growths in Saint-Julien will ring a loud bell. This is owned by them. And made under the watchful eyes of the ubiquitous Michel Rolland, THE most famous of all consulting winemakers, with Robert Parker raving that; “his wines’ quality levels are always world-class and among the finest that exist.” All that said, and with 94-points discounted 40%, how can you go wrong?

Striking ruby with a translucent glow of crimson, this has an alluring play of light and dark as you swirl. Gone picking wild berries, a basketful from boysenberry to cassis, with smoky nuances of damp earth is what the nose is all about here. Silky smooth on the palate, with bright Bing cherries, juicy plum with kisses of nutmeg and graphite to wrap it all up. The juiciness, the round and sweet tannins that make up the mouthfeel, and a chocolate edge resonate invitingly for a minute plus on the impressive, elegant finish, exuding finesse. This calls for dried exotic mushrooms, be it in a creamy pasta sauce or to add depth to a flavorful stew.

In the across the board outstanding 2015 Right Bank vintage, only 20 Saint-Émilion reds scored higher than this one with Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate. This again, is one of them. Are you surprised? We’re not to be honest, and neither is Michel Rolland as he’s the Mr. Versace of designer Bordeaux. He can take good fruit and elevate it to places others can’t even dream of, as is the case here. Up for grabs today, by the case we say. You will regret not owning more once you taste it.

Here’s what the wine press has to say:

94 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate - “The 2015 Côte de Baleau has a refined and intense bouquet with precise black and red fruit, seamlessly integrated oak and a sense of terroir coming through. The palate is medium-bodied with fine tannin, well-judged acidity and plenty of finesse and poise towards the finish. This is such a pretty Saint Emilion that you almost overlook its length and persistence. It is one of the best wines that I have tasted from the estate. Drink 2019-2038.”

93 Points – Vinous, Antonio Galloni - “Just as it was en primeur, the 2015 Côte de Baleau is pure class. Silky tannins, lifted aromatics and soft, caressing fruit meld together to inform a super-polished, elegant Saint-Émilion that speaks with a hushed, sensual voice. Readers who appreciate the more restrained side of Bordeaux will find much to admire. Drink 2020-2035.”

92 Points – Wine Spectator - “This has a juicy core of crushed raspberry, boysenberry and red currant fruit that has melded already with singed mesquite and iron threads. A flash of tobacco adds a mouthwatering hint to the lengthy finish. Best from 2020 through 2030.”