Château Léoville Poyferré St Julien 1855 2ième Cru 2007

Strong coffee grains on the nose, like you are standing in front of a percolating machine. I am a big fan of 2007s right now, there are so many that are drinking perfectly, but the coffee and grilled cedar notes here are a little intrusive, showing clear oak (and vintage) influence, although unquestionably it lends a welcoming pull-up-a-chair feel right now, and will lessen over the next five years as it evolves further in bottle. On the palate the coffee blends in with brambled fruits that are ripe and generous but still have tar and eucalyptus on the finish. Overall a great wine to drink with a few hours in a carafe, but you will find more naturally expressive St Juliens in this vintage. 80% new oak, harvest September 26 to October 10.