CHATEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE 2eme Grand Cru Classe, Saint-Julien 2005 Bottle

Description

Château Léoville-Poyferré, once considered the underdog among the Léoville estates, has transformed significantly since the Cuvelier family acquired it in 1921. Under Didier Cuvelier's leadership starting in the 1970s, and with consulting oenologist Michel Rolland since 1995, the estate has enhanced its quality to rival St-Julien's finest. The vineyard spans 80 hectares, planted primarily with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Merlot, 8% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. While historically known for its softer wines, recent vintages display increased weight and body due to riper harvests and greater new oak exposure. The 2005 vintage has earned high praise, including 98 points from Decanter and 95 points from Vinous, for its rich fruit, silky texture, and impressive balance.

*****

Château Léoville Poyferré was the Léoville that got left in the starting blocks in terms of reputation and in the quality of its wines.

Léoville Poyferré has been owned by the Cuvelier family (who also own Château Le Crock) since 1921, yet it was not until the 1970s, when Didier Cuvelier took control at the château, that quality began to improve. In the last 20 years, Didier, with the assistance of Michel Rolland since 1995, has turned Léoville-Poyferré into one of St-Julien's finest estates.

Léoville Poyferré has 80 hectares of vineyards planted with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), Merlot (25%), Petit Verdot (8%) and Cabernet Franc (2%).

Léoville Poyferré traditionally produced the softest and most supple wine of the 3 Léovilles, yet in the last decade the wines have definitely put on weight and body. This is largely due to the grapes being harvested riper and later and because of the increased exposure to new oak in the maturation process.

Now up with the best of the St-Juliens but still selling at non-scary prices. Léoville Poyferré is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé.

DECANTER 98 points
Tasted by: Charles Curtis MW
(at Atlanta, 26 Jun 2021)
Part of Bordeaux 2005: 23 top wines tasted two decades on
Drinking Window: 2021 - 2040
The 2005 vintage was surprisingly strong for Léoville-Poyferré, which I had tied with Mouton-Rothschild for second place just after Haut-Brion. The blend was 68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 26% Merlot, and 6% Cabernet Franc. Picking began on 26 September with the Merlot and finished on 8 October. The wine was aged in 75% new casks. The ripe blackcurrant and plum fruit showed some well-integrated notes of cedar, smoke, and earth that remain very youthful. The feel on the palate is substantial but very elegant. The tannins are firm and solid but not astringent. The overall impression is one of well-balanced power, and the finish was subtle and long.

VINOUS 95 points
The 2005 Léoville-Poyferré is drop-dead gorgeous on the nose with pure red cherries, raspberry preserve, rose petal and potpourri scents, gaining intensity with every swirl. The palate is medium-bodied with supple tannins, a fine bead of acidity, silky smooth with a delineated, classic tobacco and smoked tinged finish that lingers in the mouth. One of the highlights of the decade and with much more to give. Superb. Tasted at the Léoville-Poyferré vertical at the château with Sara Lecompte Cuvelier. - Neal Martin

JAMES SUCKLING 95 points
Very clear and translucent with currants, blueberries and fresh mushrooms. Full-bodied with velvety tannins that are layered and beautiful. Together and polished with plushness and beauty. Drink or hold.

WINE ENTHUSIAST 94 points
Hugely concentrated and packed with tannins, this wine shows considerable amounts of dark, extracted fruit. It wins out on impressive power, driving the fruit through the tannins, giving great richness. — Roger Voss

THE WINE ADVOCATE 93 points
Reviewed by: Robert M. Parker, Jr.
Drink Date: 2015 - 2030
Léoville Poyferré’s dense ruby/purple 2005 is soft, round and juicy, with lots of blackcurrant fruit, plum and Asian spice. It is medium to full-bodied and, along with Léoville Las Cases and Saint-Pierre, probably one of the best St.-Juliens I tasted in this retrospective. It is surprisingly supple and accessible. Drink it over the next 15 or so years.