Chateau Leoville Poyferre   Leoville Poyferre

2011 Leoville Poyferre

By Chateau Leoville Poyferre

2011 Leoville Poyferre from Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St-Julien, Bordeaux, France

The 2011 vintage in Bordeaux conjures varied thoughts amongst serious vignerons and oenophiles alike. Holding its own in a lineage of more exalted years, the 2011 Leoville Poyferre from Chateau Leoville Poyferre offers a particularly charismatic expression from St-Julien.

 

Investment Merits of St-Julien’s Finest

A complex vintage for Bordeaux - where the winemaker's prowess was tested - the 2011 Leoville Poyferre emerges with a dignified poise. Crafted by the respected Didier Cuvelier, this acclaimed estate has meticulously composed a wine that is not only a testament to the resilient terroir but also an intelligent acquisition for investors seeking portfolio diversity.

 

A Distillation of Mastery amidst Meteorological Challenges

As my glass decanted, it became apparent that the 2011 Leoville Poyferre is indeed one of the standout performers in an otherwise challengingly cool and damp year. The variable conditions led to a judicious selection of grapes that benefits this vintage tremendously. An enigmatic blend shares its tale—a mid-weight structure adorned with layers of cassis, blackberry coulis, and a captivating underpinning of graphite.

In comparison with its ancestral vintages, which often present a more robust standpoint, this offering brings out a more supple, accessible profile early on. Its tannins are finely woven into the fabric of the wine, procuring a texture as luxurious as silk threaded through old leather.

The Cabernet Sauvignon led alliance emanates class with every sip; I find it bears a notable freshness often sought but seldom found in challenging years—a lively acidity keeps the conversation between fruit and earth tones both animated and profound.

In summary, the 2011 Leoville Poyferre confidently asserts itself as a discerning addition to any investment portfolio. With its charming balance and approachable nature—one can anticipate it enhancing both collections and tasting occasions alike. This poised expression of St-Julien is assuredly a noteworthy contender for those attracted to Bordeaux’s nuanced artistry.

Current market price

$1,080.00

12x75cl

Highest score

94

POP score

45.71

Scores and tasting notes

94

This property, which has been on a qualitative tear over the last generation, has produced one of the most successful wines of 2011. A blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot and the rest Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc, it is broad, rich, medium to full-bodied and dense. It boasts an inky/purple color as well as lots of concentration, silky tannins, and a bigger, richer mouthfeel than any of its St.-Julien peers. The result is one of the stars of the vintage.

Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 April 2014

93

Blackberry and currant aromas with hints of minerals. Full body, firm tannins and a fresh finish. Chewy and reserved. Just the right amount of fruit covering the tannins. Harmony for the vintage. Better in 2017.

James Suckling - jamessuckling.com, February 19th 2014

92-94

The Chateau Leoville Poyferre is a blend of 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 6% Petit Verdot and 6% Cabernet Franc picked between 19th September and 1st October, sorted by optical machine. Astonishingly, it has a higher IPT than in 2010 at 94 compared to 82 last year. It has an attractive bouquet with fine delineation and freshness, fine tension and poise with exuberant blackberry and wild strawberry fruit infused with cedar and crushed stone. The palate is medium-bodied with tensile tannins, a sharp thread of citric acidity and very good weight. It lacks a little harmony towards the finish that shows a little hardness, but I think this will soften to turn out to be one of the finest Saint Julien wines in a difficult vintage. Tasted April 2012.

Neal Martin - Wine Journal May 2012

91-94

Another super effort from this estate, Leoville Poyferre's 2011 possesses an opaque purple color in addition to a ripe, fragrant nose of black currant fruit, cedar, white chocolate and a touch of oak. Rich, layered and medium to full-bodied with unmistakable elegance and purity, vibrant acids and a fresh, lively personality, it will need 3-4 years of cellaring and should keep for two decades.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #200 April 2012

Vintage performance