Château Léoville Poyferré Saint-Julien 2019 - 2nd Grand Cru Classé

Bettane & Desseauve

About the wine:

Deep color, with the distinct character of Léoville—namely, a slightly fuller body and firmer tannins than the wines from the Beychevelle area, and a more earthy expression of its connection to the gravelly soil from which it is born. Clearly has a great future ahead.

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.

Decanter

About the wine:

3% Petit Verdot and 3% Cabernet Franc add an extra layer of subtlety to this elegant Saint-Julien. The nose displays a pronounced exotic character, with Asian spices and cedar wood, combined with plump plums and juicy blackberries. The palate is softer than many other Haut-Médoc wines and displays great balance and remarkable purity. It will drink well at a (relatively) young age. 2025–2042

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

With its distinctive deep burgundy color, this wine stands out for the intensity of its aromas of fully ripe grapes, characteristic of the exceptionally sunny 2019 vintage. This ripeness also lends itself to a palate that is as broad as it is long, powerful, warm, and impressively dense, with robust tannins. A superlative Saint-Julien with great aging potential. 2028–2038

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.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About the wine:

Léoville Poyferré 2019 shows great promise in the bottle, with aromas of blackcurrant and wild berries intertwined with notes of licorice, clay, cigar wrapper, and smoke. Full-bodied, velvety, and polished, it is enveloping with a generous core of fruit, ripe tannins, and succulent acidity, and finishes with a long, precise aftertaste. Invariably the most sumptuous of the three Léovilles, with about 35% Merlot, the 2019 is a formidable wine that will offer a wide drinking window. 2027–2057

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

About the wine:

The 2019 is tightly closed at this stage, very concentrated, rich, and intense on the finish, though it also shows distinct oak notes. It has all the ingredients to become a fine wine within a decade… patience is key. It is the most robust wine in the appellation.

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 2019 is creamy, elegant, and utterly voluptuous. Bright red cherry, plum, blood orange, mint, spices, and menthol fill the palate with effortless grace. In some tastings, the 2019 has proven quite powerful, while at other times it displays greater finesse. Either way, this 2019 is absolutely breathtaking. I greatly admire its energy and persistence. Tasted 3 times. 2029–2049

Terre de Vins

About the wine:

The nose is exquisitely delicate, taking us on a journey from lavender to black cherry, from morello cherry to chalky notes. This wine is in the same league as the very best. The attack is clean and bold with black fruit; the black cherry bursts on the palate—it’s top-tier, a burst of freshness. Density and precision, desire and sensuality. Léoville Poyferré suggests a great wine for aging. It is the result of meticulous work with the grapes that begins in the vineyard and continues in the cellar, focused solely on purity. A very fine release!

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

One of Léoville Poyferré’s finest vintages, the wine displays a beautiful deep color in the glass. The nose opens with aromas of black and red fruits, espresso, cocoa, tobacco leaves, smoke, and flowers. On the palate, the wine shines with its multiple layers of deep, ripe, and sensual red fruit, silky and polished tannins, and a long, vibrant finish with multiple layers and a luscious texture. This wine will age and evolve for decades without issue. Best enjoyed between 2027 and 2055.