Château Léoville Poyferré Saint-Julien 2017

“What is essential is invisible to the eye”

“Smoky aromatics, as is often the case in the lighter vintages at this estate, as the oak regime becomes more apparen. Rather than being intrusive, it adds an enticing feeling of glamour, and the silky texture of the fruit is immediately apparant, as are the high levels of juicy blue fruits. Chocolate shavings liqourice and fresh mint leaf. The frost that affected so many estates in 2017 had no impact here, and the yields reached a full 52hl/h. Last vintage under Didier Cuvelier. You can wait, but there is plenty to enjoy about this vintage even at this early stage. 80% new oak.” - Jane Anson 94  (drinking window 2025-2043)

Jancis Robinson 17++

James Suckling 95

Wine Advocate 94+

About The Winery

Château Léoville Poyferré is located in the Saint-Julien appellation in the Médoc, about 45 km north-west of Bordeaux. The estate originates from the historic Léoville domain, one of the largest vineyards in the Médoc in the 17th century. After the French Revolution the original property was divided, and part of it became the estate known as Léoville Poyferré, named after Baron Jean-Marie de Poyferré de Cère. The château was officially established as an independent property in 1840. In 1920 the estate was purchased by the Cuvelier family, who still own it today. In the late 20th century Didier Cuvelier led a major renovation of the vineyards and winery, including large-scale vineyard replanting and modernization of the cellar. Château Léoville Poyferré is classified as a Second Growth (Deuxième Grand Cru Classé) in the Bordeaux 1855 classification.

The estate has about 80 hectares of vineyards located on the gravel terraces typical for Saint-Julien. These deep Garonne gravel soils provide excellent drainage and allow the vines to develop deep root systems. The vineyard is planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon (around 65–68%) and Merlot (about 24–25%), with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot with an average vine age of 38 years. Vines are trained using the double Guyot system and vineyard work includes soil cultivation and the use of organic fertilizers. Grapes are harvested by hand and sorted twice before fermentation.

Vinification

Vinification is carried out by parcel and by grape variety. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks, allowing each plot to be vinified separately. Part of the malolactic fermentation takes place in oak barrels. The wines are then aged for about 18–20 months in French oak barrels, with a significant proportion of new oak each year. This approach allows the estate to work precisely with individual vineyard parcels before the final blending.

On the nose, this wine reveals expressive aromas of blackcurrant, dark cherry, and blackberry layered with notes of cedar, graphite, tobacco leaf, and spice. The palate is structured and refined, offering concentrated flavors of dark fruit, mineral undertones, and hints of espresso supported by firm yet polished tannins and vibrant acidity. The finish is long, poised, and elegant with lingering impressions of fruit, earth, and spice.

Best served at cellar temperature and decanted before serving, Château Léoville‑Poyferré pairs beautifully with roasted lamb, grilled beef, game dishes, and aged cheeses. Its balance of power and finesse makes it ideal for refined dinners and memorable wine occasions.

Whether you’re hosting a special evening in Downtown Dubai or enjoying a sophisticated dinner in Al Reem Island Abu Dhabi, Château Léoville‑Poyferré Saint‑Julien 2017 is an exceptional choice. With CityDrinks, the UAE’s leading online liquor store, you can have this classic Bordeaux delivered straight to your door in just two hours.