Château Léoville Poyferré - Pavillon de Poyferré 2004 (2nd vin)

The estate is situated in a prime location opposite 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 distinct vineyard block—much like Clos-du-Marquis in relation to Léoville’s grand vin.

Like the other two wines produced from 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 at the time of 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.

Since the late 1970s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, this Second Growth has been completely renovated. Many 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.