Château Léoville-Poyferré 2012 - Grand Cru Classé
Bordeaux
Red
Sold individually
Drink or Keep
2*Étoiles
Hachette
-
16,5/20
Gault & Millau
-
17,5/20
Bettane & Desseauve
-
91/100
Wine Spectator
-
17/20
RVF
"Deep red with ruby highlights, the color seems to announce the intensity of the wine. In fact, the bouquet is both powerful and complex: starting with toasty scents, it continues with delicious aromas of spices and berries (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry). In the same vein, the palate reveals itself to be seductive and silky, underpinned by tannins of real finesse and a mellow woodiness that lets the grapes express themselves. A very fine Saint Julien for laying down". (Le Guide Hachette des Vins 2016)
Features
Estate
Château Léoville Poyferré
Cuvée
2nd Grand Cru Classé
Vintage
2012
Designation
Saint-Julien
Region
Bordeaux
Grape varieties
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc
Terroirs
Garonne gravel soils
Viticulture
traditional with organic fertilizer
Harvest
manual
Winemaking
plot by plot in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats. 50% malolactic fermentation in barrels.
Breeding
18 to 20 months in French oak barrels (75% new, 25% single-vineyard)
Alcohol content
13 %
Tasting & pairing
Eye
deep, dense garnet-red colour
Nose
a little reduced, then chocolate and cherry, peony as well
Mouth
a gourmet, well-balanced range, with fine tannins and a pure finish
Serve
decant at 17-18°C
Open
1 hour before
Drink from
2017
Drink before
2032
Food and wine pairing
Enjoy with navarin lamb, saddle of venison with peppers, roast pork with prunes, or a cheese platter of Auvergne blue, Saint-Nectaire or Beaufort...
Château Léoville Poyferré
Saint-Julien
Expert opinion
Bettane & Desseauve
Rated 17.5/20 (Reference wine)
Domaine rated (2020 guide) 4*Stars (Top-quality producers, the glories of French winegrowing)
About the wine:
The most complete of the 2012s tasted at the blind tasting, with remarkable smoothness for the year and racy, melted, harmonious, persistent tannins. More diversified than 2013.
About the domain :
The cru's privileged position is opposite the best parcels of Léoville-Las Cases and in line with those of Pichon-Longueville Baron. The wine reflects this position perfectly, regularly one of the most powerful yet complex and harmonious in the Médoc. A slightly higher percentage of Merlot than the other two Léovilles influences its slightly rounder texture. Didier Cuvelier is taking semi-retirement, but will obviously continue to oversee the continuity of the excellence he has established. Pavillon-de-poyferré, now the château's true second wine, is progressing, as is Moulin-riche, now from a district of its own, a little like Clos-du-Marquis in relation to Léoville's grand vin.
Guide Hachette des vins
Wine rated (2016 guide) 2**Stars (Outstanding wine)
Domain rated (guide 2020) Awarded wines (The wines of this producer are regularly awarded by the guide)
About the wine:
A deep red with ruby highlights, the color seems to announce the intensity of the wine. In fact, the bouquet is both powerful and complex: starting with toasty scents, it continues with delicious aromas of spices and berries (blackcurrant, blackberry, cherry). In the same vein, the palate reveals itself to be seductive and silky, underpinned by tannins of real finesse and a mellow woodiness that lets the grapes express themselves. A very fine Saint Julien for laying down.
About the domain :
Like the other two crus born of the former Domaine de Léoville, Poyferré, named after the Comte de Poyferré, from a noble house of Armagnac, who inherited the vineyard from his wife at the time of the split, benefits from a choice terroir. This 80-hectare terroir is spread throughout the commune of Saint-Julien: to the east, near the Gironde, gravel and brown pebbles; to the west, black sands. These assets have been developed since 1979 by Didier Cuvelier, whose family, former wine merchants in Lille, acquired the estate in 1920.
Guide des Vins Gault & Millau
Wine rated (2016 guide) 16.5/20 (Very good)
About the wine:
Fruity, very blackcurrant and blackberry, with a lovely aromatic framework of rose and flowers, and present woodiness. On the palate, the woodiness comes out a little, the tannins are firm and dense but well in place, and the whole remains balanced. Long, fruity finish with a hint of oak.
RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France
Rated (2017 guide) 17/20 (Grand vin)
Domaine rated (2020 guide) 2*Stars (These great estates, often blessed with fabulous terroirs, are must-haves which, because of their consistency and the excellence of their production, must be included in the cellars of discerning wine lovers).
About the domain :
Since the end of the 70s and the arrival of Didier Cuvelier, this second growth has been completely renovated. Numerous plots have been replanted and the winemaking equipment updated. The vines are now of a respectable age, and the cru is in the race for excellence in an appellation with many challengers. The wines have a vigor and fullness that place them at the top of the appellation. The terroir lends Poyferré its depth of color, its ample, nervous flesh, its broad, spicy bouquet, and its potential for longevity.
Wine Spectator
Rated 91/100 (Outstanding wine)
Customer reviews
Customer rating
5/5
on 2 reviews
Note and review by M. ANTOINE D. Published on 27/06/2018
See all reviews from this customer
Note and review by M. SILVERE L. Published on 28/04/2018
See all reviews from this customer
Buy your Léoville Poyferré wines at the best price on private sale!
Free on your 1st order*.