Château Léoville Poyferré (1990)
SommeliAI Insights
A full-bodied Bordeaux with rich flavors of ripe currants, blackberries, and tobacco leaf.
About this wine
The 1990 Château Léoville Poyferré from Saint-Julien is a full-bodied Bordeaux that showcases rich flavors of ripe currants, blackberries, and tobacco leaf. Its deep plum and garnet color hints at the wine's maturity, while the bouquet reveals notes of smoke, charcoal, and crème de cassis. On the palate, it offers a fleshy and opulent texture, reminiscent of a Saint-Julien with a Pomerol-like allure. This vintage has reached full maturity and is expected to remain at its peak for another two decades.
About the grape
In the 1990 vintage of Château Léoville Poyferré, the grape blend was composed of approximately 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 31% Merlot, 9% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its deep color and tannic structure, forms the backbone of the wine. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the tannins. Petit Verdot, though a minor component, contributes additional color and complexity. Cabernet Franc, in a small proportion, imparts subtle aromatic nuances. This combination reflects the traditional Bordeaux blending practice, aiming for a harmonious and age-worthy wine.
Quick facts
- 🏰 Château Léoville Poyferré was originally part of a larger estate that, through divisions over time, became three separate châteaux: Léoville Las Cases, Léoville Barton, and Léoville Poyferré.
- 🍷 In 1920, the Cuvelier family, experienced wine merchants since 1804, purchased Château Léoville Poyferré, marking the beginning of a new era for the estate.
- 🌟 The 1990 vintage of Château Léoville Poyferré is renowned for its exceptional quality, with wine critic Robert Parker describing it as 'absolutely spectacular' and noting its 'fleshy and opulent' character.
- 🍇 The estate's vineyards are planted with a higher percentage of Merlot compared to many other Saint-Julien wines, contributing to a more succulent mid-palate and making the wine more approachable when young.
- 🪵 Château Léoville Poyferré was one of the first Bordeaux estates to age wine in oak barrels, a practice that was innovative at the time and helped establish the château's reputation for quality.
Palate profile
Producer
Château Léoville Poyferré, established in 1840, originated from the division of the expansive Léoville estate, which dates back to 1638. The estate was classified as a Second Grand Cru in the 1855 Bordeaux classification. In 1920, the Cuvelier family, renowned Bordeaux wine merchants, acquired the property and have since overseen its development. Notably, the château shares a parking lot with its neighbor, Château Léoville Las Cases, reflecting their intertwined histories. The estate is committed to environmental sustainability, holding a High Environmental Value level 3 certification since 2017.
