Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

The estate is situated in a prime location directly across from the finest plots of Léoville-Las Cases and in line with those of Pichon-Longueville Baron. The wine perfectly reflects this location, consistently ranking among the most powerful, yet also the most complex and harmonious wines in the entire Médoc. A slightly higher percentage of Merlot than in the other two Léoville estates 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 is now produced 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:

Notes of violet and aromatic herbs lend a refreshing touch to a powerful, refined nose that blends black fruits, game, spices, and roasted notes. The attack, full-bodied and dense, is impressive, as is the mid-palate—very full, fleshy, and velvety, interwoven with firm, tight tannins yet without a hint of astringency. All of this is underpinned by a superb underlying freshness. As long as one could wish for, brimming with spices and ripe fruit, the finish is equally impressive. An admirable 2022, with great depth and very long aging potential. 2030–2045

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 following the split—benefits from a prime terroir. Covering an area of 80 hectares, the vineyard spans the entire commune of Saint-Julien: to the east, near the Gironde River, there are brown gravel and pebbles; to the west, black sand. These assets have been showcased 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 estate:

Since the late 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, this Second Growth has been completely renovated. Numerous plots have been replanted, and the winemaking facilities have been modernized. The vines are now of a respectable age, and the estate is in the race for excellence within an appellation that boasts many strong contenders. The wines possess a vitality and fullness 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.

James Suckling

About the wine:

No. 22/100 in the "Top 100 Best French Wines of 2025 According to James Suckling" 

Jeb Dunnuck

About the wine:

Reminiscent of the 2018 vintage (and the 2009), and perhaps even slightly more concentrated, the 2022 Château Léoville Poyferré is one of the most opulent and flamboyant wines of the Médoc in 2022. It possesses incredible intensity while remaining light and graceful. Its dense, intense purple color is followed by a sensational bouquet of blackcurrant cream, graphite, dark chocolate, burnt earth, and flowers. Full-bodied on the palate, it offers exceptional fruit richness, a harmonious mouthfeel, and beautifully integrated oak, tannins, and acidity—without any harshness—culminating in a magnificent finish. It shines even today, while possessing a beautiful underlying structure, and will evolve gracefully over the next 30 years. The 2022 vintage is composed of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, and 4% each of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, aged for 18 to 20 months in 80% new oak. 2025–2055

Yves Beck

About the wine:

A superb bouquet, both in terms of intensity and complexity. It opens with a fresh, peppermint-like aroma and floral nuances, followed by notes of blueberries and elderberry, along with a hint of graphite. Creamy on the palate, the wine stands out for its harmony and its smooth, silky texture, which give way to powerful, compact tannins and a healthy austerity that ensures the freshness, salinity, and length of the finish. A truly great Poyferré that will be well worth the wait! 2029–2054

Jean-Marc Quarin

About the wine:

A dark, intense, beautiful purple color. The nose is intense, refined, fruity, pure, and subtle. A creamy note emerges when swirled. On the palate, it’s meticulously crafted and melt-in-the-mouth, with a vibrant flavor, a velvety body, and greater depth than usual. Complex and energetic, the wine unfolds with well-controlled power, culminating in a long finish with noble tannins. It’s truly captivating.

The Wine Cellar Insider - Jeff Leve

About the wine:

The explosive nose, with its notes of flowers, espresso, licorice, black cherries, spices, and tobacco, immediately captures the attention. But it is on the palate that the wine truly showcases its elegance, with an irresistible display of black and red fruits and a silky, indulgent texture that coats the taste buds with pure, deep notes of black and red berries. The sensual notes of the finish are perfect from start to finish. This wine is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 4% Cabernet Franc, and 4% Petit Verdot. Best enjoyed between 2029 and 2055.