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

Description

Chateau Leoville Poyferre 2eme Grand Cru Classe Saint Julien 2005 is a superbly mature Left Bank claret that combines classic Saint Julien power with refined complexity and an elegant structural spine. The colour is a deep garnet with tawny edges that signal its age while the core retains depth. The nose is layered and noble, opening with blackcurrant, black cherry and plum conserve, then evolving into tertiary aromas of cedar chest, tobacco leaf and well worn leather. Further aeration reveals forest floor, truffle, dried herb and a faint graphite mineral note that underlines the site character.

On the palate the wine is full bodied yet lithe, the once firm tannins having softened into a polished, velvety frame that supports concentrated dark fruit. Flavours of dried black fruit, black olive and plum are complemented by savoury elements of cured meat, soy reduction and a hint of balsamic. Oak derived notes of cedar, clove and a touch of dark chocolate add spice and complexity without overwhelming the fruit. Bright acidity remains present enough to give lift and energy, steering the flavours to a long saline and mineral finish where leather, tobacco and a lingering earthy spice echo.

The 2005 vintage in Bordeaux produced wines of generous ripeness and ripe tannins balanced by good acidity, and at Leoville Poyferre this has translated into a bottle with both immediate charm and further development ahead. The texture is plush yet refined, offering both pleasure now and reward for short term cellaring.

Drink 2026 to 2036, peaking 2026 to 2030. Best served after a cautious decant to open the aromatics. Match with roast or braised beef, lamb with rosemary, beef Wellington, venison with juniper, mushroom and truffle dishes, or mature hard cheeses to complement the wine’s savoury depth and refined structure.

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.

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ABOUT CHATEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE
Château Léoville Poyferré is a prestigious winery located in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. Historically considered the least recognised of the three Léoville estates, Léoville Poyferré has undergone a remarkable transformation, particularly since the late 20th century. Owned by the Cuvelier family since 1921, the estate began to rise in prominence under the leadership of Didier Cuvelier, who took the helm in the 1970s, alongside renowned consultant winemaker Michel Rolland, who joined in 1995.

Spanning 80 hectares, the vineyards of Léoville Poyferré are planted predominantly with Cabernet Sauvignon (65%), followed by Merlot (25%), Petit Verdot (8%), and Cabernet Franc (2%). The estate's diverse varietal composition, combined with the terroir of gravelly soils and a temperate maritime climate, creates exceptional growing conditions for producing high-quality grapes.

Traditionally known for producing some of the softest and most supple wines among the Léoville estates, Léoville Poyferré's recent vintages have gained added weight and complexity. This evolution is attributed to later and riper grape harvests and increased exposure to new oak during maturation. These changes have resulted in richer, fuller-bodied wines that compete with the best of St-Julien.

Château Léoville Poyferré is classified as a 2ème Cru Classé and offers exceptional value in the world of fine Bordeaux wines, often available at more accessible prices compared to its peers. The wines are characterised by their depth, elegance, and vibrant fruit profile, making them highly sought after by collectors and connoisseurs alike.

As Léoville Poyferré continues to evolve, it has firmly established itself as one of the finest estates in Saint-Julien, producing wines that embody both tradition and modernity while remaining true to their heritage.