Chateau Leoville Poyferre   Leoville Poyferre

2013 Leoville Poyferre

By Chateau Leoville Poyferre

2013 Leoville Poyferre from Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St-Julien, Bordeaux

In the realm of fine Bordeaux, vintage variation plays a pivotal role in the intricacies of any given year's release. The 2013 Leoville Poyferre from Chateau Leoville Poyferre occupies a unique space within the historic narrative of this iconic estate. Although 2013 was a year that presented myriad challenges to the Bordelais, it has yielded surprisingly delightful results here in St-Julien.

 

A Testament to Terroir and Tenacity

The 2013 vintage encountered a late flowering, followed by a subdued summer and hailstorms that tested the resilience of the vineyards. Yet, under such testing climatic conditions, Chateau Leoville Poyferre has displayed its trademark aptitude for producing wines that not only rise above the tumultuous weather but also express a pure and vibrant representation of their terroir.

The 2013 Leoville Poyferre embodies this triumph with solid structure and an alluring complexity of flavours. One experiences an expertly woven tapestry of dark berries, cassis, and a hint of tobacco leaf—finely balanced by subtle oak undertones. The cooler year imparts an invigorating acidity that can often be elusive in more opulent vintages.

 

Refinement and Longevity: A Collector's Consideration

This wine is refined and exhibits an elegance that stands out across investment-grade wines, suggesting an admirable potential for ageing within a meticulously curated cellar portfolio. As this 2013 vintage continues to surprise connoisseurs with its evolution in bottle, it reinforces St-Julien's reputation for producing wines of poise under pressure.

For sophisticated fine wine investors focusing on the storied terroirs of Bordeaux, the 2013 Leoville Poyferre serves as a testament to exceptional winemaking adaptation in challenging vintages. Offering both intrigue today and promising sophistication tomorrow, this vintage rightfully earns its place among discerning collections.

In conclusion, amidst the fluctuating conditions that define Bordeaux winemaking lore, the 2013 vintage from Chateau Leoville Poyferre emerges as a particularly astute acquisition for those passionate about the subtleties and surprises offered by such storied climes. It delivers a discernable difference—one reflective of its resilient vintage—yet retains that emblematic St-Julien finesse which astute investors cherish.

Market price (GBP)

£540.00

12x75cl

Highest score

91

POP score

49.09

Scores and tasting notes

90-92

This wine's nearly opaque dense ruby/purple color is hardly that of an inferior vintage. The 2013 Leoville Poyferre exhibits a beautiful bouquet of blackberries and creme de cassis. This pure, luscious, long, luxurious (especially for the vintage) 2013 possesses adequate acidity, beautiful purity, and medium- to full-bodied density. One of the superstars of the vintage, it should drink well for 10-15 years.

Robert Parker Jr - Wine Advocate #214 Aug 2014

91

The 2013 Léoville-Poyferre has a lovely nose with simple blackcurrant and wild strawberry fruit, maintaining Didier Cuvelier's more opulent style while retaining delineation and focus. The palate is medium-bodied with gently grippy tannin, good acidity and structure, not complex but with a very impressive blackberry and cassis finish that lingers in the mouth. Chapeau Monsieur Cuvelier - one of the best Saint Juliens this vintage.

Neal Martin - The Wine Advocate, 28 October 2016

Vintage performance