The story of Chateau Leoville Poyferre is intertwined with the fascinating history of Bordeaux winemaking. The estate has a lineage dating back to the 17th century when it was part of the vast Leoville estate, which was later divided into Chateau Leoville Las Cases, Chateau Léoville Barton, and Chateau Leoville Poyferre. The estate was named after Jean Poyferre and passed through several hands until it was acquired by the Cuvelier family in 1921, a lineage that still manages the estate today. It was rated a Second Growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification and was traditionally the softest of the three Leovilles. However, in the last few decades, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine has gained weight and density.
Chateau Leoville Poyferre: One of Bordeaux's Historic Estates
Leoville Poyferre dates back to 1638 when Bordeaux nobleman Jean de Moytie owned a vineyard named Mont-Moytie. Located in the heart of the Médoc's Saint-Julien appellation, the estate eventually merged as part of a larger estate, Domaine de Leoville. The estate remained together from the mid-1700s until 1826, when Leoville Barton broke free to become an independent estate, followed by Leoville Las Cases in 1840. The remains of the estate belonged to Jeanne Poyferre, who established Chateau Leoville Poyferre. 15 years later, each of the three Leovilles was awarded 2nd Growth status in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
Leoville Poyferre Saint-Julien Terroir
Chateau Leoville Poyferre enjoys a prime location in Saint-Julien, which is renowned for producing some of the most exceptional wines in Bordeaux. The vineyards are situated on Mindel gravel soils and sandy clay subsoils, which are typical of the region and are particularly well-suited for the cultivation of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, and petit verdot.
On the 80-hectare vineyard, the average vine age stands at 38 years, producing highly concentrated grapes that contribute to the sensual, vibrant, and precise final blends. The chateau's motto, "The Essential is Invisible to the Eye," is well-received in each bottle, making it a contender for Super Second status.
Michel Rolland Winemaking at Leoville Poyferre
The estate's major turning point into Bordeaux excellence came in 1979, when Didier Cuvelier took over the family business. The Cuvelier family has owned Leoville Poyferre since the 1920s, though Didier was the first to bring in legendary winemaking figures like Michel Rolland and Emile Peynaud, instantly turning the estate into a top contender in the region. In using their consulting expertise, Leoville Poyferre's winemaking techniques are sophisticated and meticulous.
Three weeks before the beginning of each harvest, the winemaking team works with the consulting oenologists to go through the vineyard and prepare for the upcoming season. During the growing season, the vines are pruned manually, and only organic methods are used, as Leoville Poyferre has been Système de Management Environnemental (SME) integrated since 2016, illustrating its commitment to sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices.
Once the harvest is complete, the grapes are sorted twice — once by hand, then by an optical sorting machine — before destemming in the vat house. The grapes are then crushed before undergoing a pre-fermentation and cold maceration. Finally, the wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months before its final bottling. To ensure consistency, the grapes are vinified plot by plot before being blended.
Chateau Leoville Poyferre Best Wines
Since the early 1980s, Chateau Leoville Poyferre has consistently crafted beautiful Bordeaux blends, known for their elegance, charm, and immense aging potential. Possibly the estate's greatest bottle is the 2009 Leoville Poyferre, rated 100 points by both Jeb Dunnuck and Robert Parker, the former of which labelled the wine, "The greatest wine I’ve ever tasted from this address." The bottle was praised for its mineral, graphite notes, floral aromas, and lush mouthfeel, exemplifying all of Saint-Julien's top qualities.
For lovers of red blends, consider adding one of Bordeaux's finest wines to your cellar, perfect for immediate drinking or long-term aging.
What classification is Leoville Poyferre wine?
Leoville Poyferre is a Second Growth under the 1855 Bordeaux Classification.
What is the best vintage of Chateau Leoville Poyferre?
Some of the best vintages of Chateau Leoville Poyferre include: 1982, 1990, 1996, 200, 2003, 2009, 2015, 2016, 2019, and 2022.
What is the history of Leoville Poyferre?
Leoville Poyferre was once part of the large Leoville estate in the 17th century. After Las Cases and Barton became their own estates, Leoville Poyferre was created out of the remaining land. The name was granted after its original proprietor, Jean Poyferre, and later came into ownership under the Cuvelier family.
Who owns Leoville Poyferre?
The Cuvelier family has owned Leoville Poyferre since 1921. However, it was not until 1921 when Didier Cuvelier took ownership that the estate rose to Bordeaux prominence.
