Chateau Leoville Poyferre Saint Julien 2nd Grand Cru Classe 2015

Château Léoville Poyferré is a Second Growth estate located in the prestigious Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux's Left Bank, an area celebrated for its elegant and powerful red wines. The estate encompasses 80 hectares of vines planted on deep gravel soils, which provide excellent drainage and encourage deep root systems, lending the wines complexity and balance.

The 2015 vintage is a blend of 67% Cabernet Sauvignon, 13% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Franc, and 8% Petit Verdot grapes. This combination results in a classic Bordeaux style, showcasing the structure and cassis notes of Cabernet Sauvignon, the plush fruit of Merlot, the aromatic complexity of Cabernet Franc, and the depth and spice of Petit Verdot. The wine is known for its refined intensity and excellent ageing potential.

The grapes were harvested by hand and underwent rigorous sorting, including both manual and optical methods, to ensure only the highest quality fruit was used. Each variety and vineyard plot was vinified separately in temperature-controlled stainless-steel tanks. The process included a one-week cold maceration to enhance fruit purity and colour extraction. The wine was then aged in two-year-old French oak barrels for 18 months, which contributed subtle spice and oak complexity to the final blend.

The 2015 vintage displays a deep ruby colour. On the nose, it offers vibrant aromas of blackcurrant, blackberry, and aniseed, complemented by subtle notes of violet, smoke, and cedar. The palate is elegant and expressive, with a core of rich black fruits supported by taut acidity and fine-grained tannins. The finish is long and poised, leaving a lingering impression of balance and sophistication.

This red wine pairs beautifully with roast lamb, beef Wellington, or duck breast with cherry sauce. It also complements earthy dishes, like mushroom risotto, and pairs well with hard, aged cheeses such as Comté or Parmesan. Serve at 16–18°C, and consider decanting for an hour.