Chateau Leoville Poyferre

Château Léoville Poyferré is an estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc. It was rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and was traditionally the softest of the three Léovilles. However in the last few decades the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine has gained weight and density.

The 80-hectare (198-acre) vineyard is planted 65 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon with 25 percent Merlot, 8 percent Petit Verdot and 2 percent Cabernet Franc. The gravelly soils provide good drainage for the vines, which helps negate disease pressure and leads to concentrated fruit. In the winery, the grapes are cold-macerated for colour extract and aromatic purity, and fermented in stainless steel vats before aging. Château Léoville Poyferré is aged in oak barriques for 18 to 20 months, and the proportion of new oak has increases in the last few decades. It is now rated among the best of the appellation, but remains sensibly priced.

The estate also produces Château Moulin Riche, which was once a separate estate. It is made to be more accessible in its youth, but is not considered a second wine to the grand vin. This distinction goes to Le Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, made from younger vines.

Michel Rolland has been a consultant for Château Léoville Poyferré since 1995.