Château Léoville-Poyferré Saint-Julien 2015 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

A truly great, full-bodied wine that lives up to its potential in the barrel, with a magical texture that rivals the greatest vintages of the past. Wait another ten years or so. 2027–2040

About the estate:

The vineyard is situated in its prime location, facing the finest plots of Léoville-Las Cases and extending from those of Pichon-Longueville Baron. The wine perfectly reflects this location, consistently ranking among the most powerful yet also the most complex and harmonious in the entire Médoc. A slightly higher percentage of Merlot than in the other two Léovilles contributes to its slightly rounder texture. Didier Cuvelier is semi-retired but, of course, continues to ensure the continuity of the excellence he has established. Pavillon-de-Poyferré, now the château’s true second wine, is improving, as is Moulin-Riche, which now comes from its own specific vineyard block, much like Clos-du-Marquis in relation to Léoville’s grand vin.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A remarkable vintage for Léoville Poyferré, with this wine displaying great elegance in both its deep ruby color and its powerful bouquet of black cherry, licorice, and toasted bread. Everything points to the fact that fine grapes met fine oak: the palate is velvety, rich, and concentrated, structured by distinguished oak and tannins that are both powerful and silky. 2022–2030

About the estate:

Like the other two wines produced by the former Léoville estate, Poyferré—named after the Count of Poyferré, a member of a noble family from Armagnac who inherited the vineyard through his wife during the division—benefits from a prime terroir. This 80-hectare estate spans the entire commune of Saint-Julien: to the east, near the Gironde, brown gravel and pebbles; to the west, black sand. These assets have been highlighted since 1979 by Didier Cuvelier, whose family—former wine merchants in Lille—acquired the property in 1920.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the wine:

Here is a very strong contender in the race for the top spot in this vintage. Full-bodied and dense, yet also very subtle, it impresses with its refined palate and, above all, its very elegant tannins.

About the estate:

Since the late 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, this Second Growth has been completely revitalized. Many plots have been replanted and the winemaking facilities modernized. The vines are now of a respectable age, and the estate is in the race for excellence within an appellation that is well-stocked with contenders. The wines possess a vitality and richness that now place them at the top of the appellation. The terroir gives Poyferré’s wine its deep color, its full-bodied yet lively texture, its broad, spicy bouquet, and its aging potential.

Vinous

About the wine:

Léoville-Poyferré 2015 is spectacular. Deep, dense, and explosive, this 2015 possesses extraordinary richness, with supple, smooth contours and exceptional balance. All the elements are simply in perfect harmony. Notes of blue and purple fruits, chocolate, new leather, blueberry jam, exotic spices, and violets are all beautifully highlighted. Fresh, vibrant, and utterly captivating, Léoville-Poyferré is one of the standout wines of the vintage—don’t miss it! Tasted twice. 2025–2045

James Suckling

About the wine:

A rich, intense red with notes of blackberries, tar, and spices. Black tea and blueberries. Full-bodied, highly layered, and multidimensional. Very long and flavorful. Such a beautiful texture. A dynamic and superb red.

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

The 2015 Léoville Poyferré is cut from the same cloth as the 2016, but it is sexier, rounder, and more opulent. Notes of blackcurrant, licorice, crushed stone, graphite, and pencil lead emerge from this smooth, ripe, and beautifully crafted wine, which is bursting with fruit and texture. This wine reminds me of the 2003, but it is fresher. It should be ready to drink in 3 to 4 years and age gracefully for 3 to 4 decades. 

Yves Beck

About the wine:

Deep garnet red. An intense, complex bouquet marked by black berries, cocoa beans, and hints of mint. A slightly rich, compact attack. On the palate, the wine features perfectly integrated, slightly grainy tannins that lend power and elegance while harmonizing with the structure. A deep, subtle wine at the pinnacle of the St-Julien appellation. Respect! 2023–2045

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

With a slight lightening of color, the wine reveals itself right from the start with notes of blackcurrant and redcurrant, spices, flowers, crème de cassis, thyme, smoke, and licorice. On the palate, the wine is opulent, long, refined, lush, and elegant. The fruit glides across your palate, offering waves of soft, deep red berries. The finish lingers, building and expanding. Give it a few more years, and you’ll find even more opulence and sensuality. Drink from 2027 to 2057.