Chateau Haut Marbuzet

Château Léoville Poyferré 1996 92 Winespectator: "Lots of plum and sweet tobacco aromas follow through to a full-bodied palate, with velvety tannins and a long finish. Delicious. But needs time still. Holding up nicely.--'95/'96 Bordeaux retrospective. Best after 2008." 90-91 Antonio Galloni: "Good medium color. Complex, extravagant aromas of currant, black raspberry, lead pencil and minerals, plus strong oak notes of roasted nut and toffee. Lush and creamy in the mouth; offers an almost confectionery sweetness and terrific inner-mouth flavor and personality. "Not at all le classique Bordelais," admits Hugues, in an understatement. "My father prefers the structure of the '95 right now," he adds. "He feels that the explosion of fruit in the '96 today almost throws the wine off balance-but not in a pejorative sense." Thick and velvety but nicely delineated. Finishes with excellent persistence and notes of leather and game. Will make a compelling if not downright exotic drink."