📌 Description
Château Léoville Poyferré 1996 is a great Saint-Julien wine, emblematic of classic Bordeaux style: depth, structure, and elegance over time. From a vintage renowned for its longevity, this wine now offers a beautifully mature expression, combining aromatic complexity, refined texture, and overall nobility.
🍇 Grape Varieties
A blend dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon, complemented by Merlot, Petit Verdot, and Cabernet Franc.
Complex and mature profile: blackcurrant, dark plum, cedar, blond tobacco, fine leather, graphite, sweet spices, and forest floor notes.
🌍 Region / Country
Bordeaux – Saint-Julien (France).
Classified as a Second Growth in the 1855 Classification, Château Léoville Poyferré is planted on deep gravel soils typical of the appellation, providing structure, precision, and outstanding ageing potential.
🌡️ Serving Temperature
Serve between 16 and 18 °C (61–64 °F).
A gentle decant of 30 to 45 minutes is recommended to awaken the bouquet without overwhelming the wine.
⏳ Ageing Potential
At an excellent stage of maturity, still holding firm.
• 2024–2030: optimal plateau, balance, and tertiary complexity.
• Beyond: slow evolution toward more ethereal and spicy nuances.
👁️ Appearance
• Color: deep garnet with brick-tinged highlights.
• Clarity: clear and brilliant.
• Legs: fine and regular.
👃 Nose
• Aromatic intensity: complex and evolved.
• First nose: ripe blackcurrant, plum, cedar.
• Second nose: tobacco, leather, graphite, forest floor, sweet spices.
👄 Palate
• Attack: supple and composed.
• Structure: melted tannins, a still-solid backbone, balanced acidity.
• Dominant aromas: ripe dark fruits, cedar, tobacco, fine leather, mineral notes.
• Overall balance: harmonious, classic, and distinguished.
• Length: persistent, elegant finish with gentle spice.
🍽️ Food Pairings
• Roasted or grilled red meats.
• Lamb, dry-aged beef.
• Feathered game.
• Aged cheeses (old Comté, Salers).
⭐ Overall Impression / Style
Château Léoville Poyferré 1996 embodies the great classicism of Saint-Julien: structure, elegance, and complexity at an ideal stage of maturity. A refined, gastronomic wine.
