2010 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St Julien, Bordeaux, France
OVERVIEW
The 2010 Leoville Poyferre is a stunning, 98 point 'super second' from one of the vintages of the century. Chateau Leoville Poyferre can trace its origins back to 1638 but it's modern history starts in 1920 when the estate was bought by the Cuvelier family. In 1979 Didier Cuvelier became the first member of the family to manage the estate. Previously, the family had allowed their vine growing neighbours to manage the property.
Didier brought in new technologies and more importantly, his former professor, Emile Peynaud to run the estate. As well as modernizing the wine making facilities. he also replanted 20 hectares and since then the estate had continued to replant. Didier also brought Michel Rolland on board to consult in the winemaker of Leoville Poyferre.
The Chateau was classified as a second growth in the 1855 classification.
CRITIC REVIEWS
The wine out distances both Leoville Las Cases and Leoville Barton, but all three of them are compelling efforts. Full-bodied, dense purple in color, with floral notes intermixed with blackberries, cassis, graphite and spring flowers, this full-bodied, legendary effort is long and opulent, with wonderfully abundant yet sweet tannin, a skyscraper-like mid-palate and a thrilling, nearly one-minute finish. This spectacular effort from Poyferre that should drink well for 30+ years. Drink 2013-2043. 98 Points. Robert Parker (March 2013)
This has depth, texture, power, the generosity of Poyferré with the slow steely progression of the vintage - a brilliant mix of the two. Cassis, bilberry, cigarbox, curling woodsmoke, bitter chocolate, rosemary, blue fruit, coffee. There is clear acidity here but it is matched pace for pace by fleshy textured fruit and slate, tugging, slowed-down tannins. Harvest October 1 to 18. 80% new oak. 98 Points. Jane Anson (October 2021)
The 2010 Léoville-Poyferré has a very intense bouquet with blackberry, briary cedar and light estuarine/seaweed aromas that are very well defined. Pure class. The palate is medium-bodied with fine-grain tannins, layers of pure black fruit laced with pencil lead and a pinch of white pepper. It fans out wonderfully towards the finish, a Saint-Julien demonstrating wonderful density and precision. What an outstanding wine, perhaps less flamboyant than other vintages, one that will last decades. Tasted blind at Farr Vintners 10-Year On Bordeaux horizontal. Drink 2023-2050. 97 Points. Neal Martin (April 2020)
FOOD PAIRING INSPIRATION
Pair this wine with beef wellington or a special Sunday lunch.
VINTAGE AND WINEMAKING
2010 did not start out as a great vintage but finished the growing season as one of the vintages of the century (so far!). Conditions in early June were cold and damp. However the weather changed later in the month and July and August continued with warm and sunny weather. The nights were cool which allowed the grapes to keep their acidity. Although it did rain in September, it was just enough to allow the grapes to develop phenolic ripeness and mature fully.
PRODUCER NOTES
Chateau Leoville Poyferre covers 80 hectares and is planted with primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and a small percentage of Petit Verdot.
The vineyards are low lying with the highest point being 20 metres above sea level. The vineyards are divided into 5 large parcels that are scattered around the appellation.
The estate was modernized in 1984 and since then they have continued with innovations and renovations on the estate. In 2010 the vat rooms were replaced and they also moved form large vats to stainless steel double skin vats. They have also started using larger vats, going from 60 hectolitres to 165 hectolitres. By using bigger and more barrels, they can do very precise vinifications on a parcel by parcel basis. Malolactic fermentation takes place in barrels.
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SERVICE AND STORAGE TIPS
The wine should be stored over the longer term at 12c. We recommend this wine be brought up to around 15.5c for service. Young wines should be decanted 2-4 hours before consumption. Older wines can be decanted to remove sediment but otherwise do not need to be decanted before drinking.
DELIVERY INFORMATION
Delivery is free when you spend over £150. For orders under this amount then a £9.99 delivery charge will be applied.
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Every bottle sold by CoolerSomm is subject to our quality guarantee. If a wine is corked or faulty, we will replace it.
2010 Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St Julien, Bordeaux, France
| Wine Card | |
| Wine Producer | Leoville Poyferre |
| Wine Region | Bordeaux |
| Wine Classification | AOC St Julien |
| Wine Type | Red |
| Grape Variety | Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot |
| Vintage | 2010 |
| Vintage Quality | Extraordinary - Parker |
| Maturity | Drinking Now - Will improve |
| Body | Full Bodied |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Alcohol % | 13.5% |
| Bottle Type | Bordeaux 75cl |
| Serving Temperature | 17-18°C |
| Food Pairing | Rare Steak, Beef, Game, Mushroom |
| Awards | 98 Points - Jane Anson |
| 98 Points - Robert Parker | |
| 97 Points - Neal Martin | |
| 95 Points - James Suckling |
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