2020 Léoville Poyferré – Château Léoville Poyferré.
Nestled between the illustrious appellations of Margaux and Pauillac on the left bank of the Gironde lies Saint-Julien, a compact yet significant appellation within the Bordeaux region. Among its renowned châteaux stands Château Léoville Poyferré, a 2nd Cru Classé estate with a rich history dating back to 1638. The journey of this château is not only a testament to its enduring quality but also a reflection of the complex heritage that characterizes Bordeaux wines.
In this review we will be discussing the 2020 vintage of their Grand Cru, the Léoville Poyferré. The vintage is a milestone, as 2020 marks a century of ownership of the Château by the Cuvelier family, therefore the wine is released in special packaging.
About the Region
In the world of wine, the essence of a region is beautifully captured in each bottle, and Saint-Julien is no exception. This appellation, covering 920 hectares, is one of the Médoc’s most intimate and storied landscapes, offering a rich tapestry of geological and viticultural heritage.
Saint-Julien’s soil composition is a remarkable blend of gravelly terraces, meticulously sculpted by the alluvial deposits of the Gironde River over centuries. These gravels, known locally as “graves,” are more than just a defining characteristic—they are vital to the region’s viticulture. They ensure excellent drainage and heat retention, creating optimal conditions for vine growth and grape ripening.
This terroir is like a collection of well-tended gardens, each plot contributing unique characteristics to the wines. The gravels, along with the moderating influence of the nearby Gironde Estuary, foster the growth of grapes that are rich in flavor and complexity. The diverse microclimates within Saint-Julien enhance the development of nuanced and expressive wines.
Vineyards in Saint-Julien, including those of Château Léoville Poyferré, thrive in this nurturing environment. The intricate interplay between soil, climate, and vine results in wines celebrated for their balance, elegance, and longevity. The predominant presence of Cabernet Sauvignon provides a robust backbone, while Merlot introduces a lush, fruit-forward character. Smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot add depth and aromatic complexity, contributing to the overall harmony and sophistication of the wines.
The unique terroir of Saint-Julien, with its carefully balanced elements, is fundamental to the excellence of its wines. It is this distinctive environment that imparts a signature character to each bottle, allowing Château Léoville Poyferré and its peers to craft wines that truly reflect the soul of the region.
About the Winery
Château Léoville Poyferré’s origins can be traced back to its initial establishment as Mont-Moytie by Jean de Moytie. Through subsequent marriages and inheritances, the estate came under the ownership of the De Gascq family, who renamed it Château Léoville. At its zenith, Château Léoville was one of the largest estates in the Médoc, sprawling over 200 hectares. However, the 19th century brought significant changes.
In 1840, the estate was divided among heirs, leading to the creation of distinct properties. Pierre Jean de Las Cases received one portion, which became Château Leoville Las Cases, while another portion eventually transformed into Château Léoville Poyferré under the stewardship of Baron Jean-Marie Poyferré de Ceres through his marriage. Despite the division of the vineyards, the buildings and surrounding facilities remained interconnected, a testament to their shared legacy.
The modern era of Château Léoville Poyferré began in 1920 when the Cuvelier family, esteemed négociants in Bordeaux, acquired the estate. Under their guidance, the château has flourished, adhering to both tradition and innovation to produce wines of exceptional quality.
Today, Château Léoville Poyferré spans 60 hectares of prime vineyard land, meticulously planted with a balanced mix of grape varieties: 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 2% Petit Verdot. This diverse yet complementary composition allows the estate to craft wines with remarkable complexity, structure, and longevity.
About the Wine
Château Léoville Poyferré’s approach to winemaking is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The estate employs meticulous vineyard management practices to ensure the highest quality grapes. Each plot is vinified separately, allowing for precise control over the fermentation process and the final blend. The wines are aged in oak barrels, a portion of which are new, to impart complexity and depth.
The resulting wines of Château Léoville Poyferré are celebrated for their elegance and balance. The rich, dark fruit flavors, coupled with refined tannins and a pronounced minerality, embody the quintessential characteristics of Saint-Julien wines.
As mentioned earlier the 2020 vintage of Château Léoville Poyferré holds special significance, marking the 100th anniversary of the Cuvelier family’s ownership. To celebrate this milestone, the château released a special edition bottle, distinguished not only by its exceptional wine but also by its commemorative design, a tribute to the family’s century-long stewardship.
The 2020 Léoville Poyferré exemplifies the estate’s dedication to crafting wines of remarkable quality. In this vintage, the meticulous vineyard management practices and precise vinification techniques have culminated in a wine that is both expressive and sophisticated. The wine is a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Merlot, 3% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Petit Verdot, showcasing the estate’s commitment to varietal balance and complexity.
On the nose, the 2020 vintage offers an enticing bouquet of blackcurrant, blackberry, and plum, intertwined with notes of cedar, tobacco, and a hint of violet. The palate is rich and layered, with a core of dark fruit flavors supported by finely grained tannins and a vibrant acidity. The mid-palate reveals additional complexity, with nuances of mocha, graphite, and a subtle minerality that reflects the unique terroir of Saint-Julien.
The finish is long and harmonious, with the wine’s components seamlessly integrated, leaving a lasting impression of elegance and depth. The use of oak barrels, with a portion being new, has imparted a delicate spiciness and enhanced the wine’s structure without overpowering its inherent fruit character.
Château Léoville Poyferré’s winemaking philosophy is evident in every aspect of this 2020 vintage. The estate’s blend of tradition and innovation is showcased through its careful attention to detail in the vineyard and the winery. The separate vinification of each plot allows for a precise expression of the terroir, while the aging process in oak barrels adds layers of complexity and depth.
We happily reward this Saint-Julien Grand Cru with a 94-point DWA score.
This review is written by our own Niels Aarts. We enjoyed this bottle during one of our wine club evenings, picked by Jelle Smid. Thanks for sharing this with us Jelle!
Léoville Poyferré is available at fine wine sellers and high-end restaurants, being distributed world-wide.
Price: €110
Taste date: August 2023
Score: 94/100 DWA Score
Website: Chateau Leoville-Poyferre