Château Léoville Poyferré 2013

A glorious summer

Following a cool damp spring, vine growth got off to a slow start, leading to an exceptionally late flowering. 2013 owes everything to a magnificent summer, especially a gorgeous month of July (the hottest since 1991) with more intense sunshine than August. Phenolic maturity was not disrupted by water stress. Plot-by-plot harvesting, then vinifications in our conical tanks revealed the best of our terroir despite the atypical conditions of the vintage.

Our tasting note – 2022

This bright garnet-colored 2013 vintage shows lovely carmine highlights, a sign that the wine is starting to evolve.

The nose is attractive and would benefit from decanting.  Notes of black currant and blackberry emerge, followed by vanilla and spices.

On the palate, the wine expresses a good tension with focused tannins.  Aromas of candied black berries continue on to the persistent finish.  Straightforward and well-balanced, this wine is ready to drink, but also shows good aging potential.

Press reviews

The Wine Advocate – Neil Martin : 91

“The 2013 Léoville Poyferré 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.”

Decanter – Jane Anson : 88

“Not one to put away and age, but there is lots to enjoy here now. It has polish, well delivered red and brambly fruits, persistency and gloss. Oak is a touch more evident than in most years because the fruit is not at full ripeness. As with many 2013s, this offers good potential for drinking over the next decade, but no further.”