Château Léoville Poyferré 2017

The blessing of a great terroir

As the devastating effects of frosts have a serious impact on the viticultural landscape of Bordeaux, Saint-Julien can give praise thanks to Saint Vincent, patron Saint of the vineyard workers. Blessed by his protection from the worst of the exceptional frosts and safeguarded for the duration of the vintage.

2017, not too dissimilar to its companions of misfortune in sevens, started off on the wrong foot. A very dry winter and late severe spring frosts were then turned around with a warm pleasant summer. This beautiful weather coupled with our unique terroir really raised the bar for our 2017 vintage. The result is a wine that is dense, marked with an exquisite aromatic expression, all wrapped in a vintage with surprising cellaring potential. An outsider, quite contrary to its reputation!

Our tasting notes – 2022

This bright, limpid vintage displays a deep garnet color with purple highlights.

Pronounced notes of coffee give way to the freshness of blackberry and currant. A delicate hint of oak brings more depth to the ensemble.

Full-bodied and silky, the tannins are quite muscular. Retro-olfaction further releases notes of juicy ripe fruit. The finish is supple with a hint of liquorice, giving it a lovely balance.

Press reviews

The Wine Doctor – Chris Kissack : 94

“A difficult vintage, although properties such as this, close to the protective environment of the Gironde, suffered much less with the frost. Aromatically this feels dense and structured, although I feel it is showing a little dusty evolution at the rim. It has a quite delightful nose, even if the oak is a more evident contributor here, the smoked blackcurrant and damson fruits swirled with ribbons of cedar, pencil shavings, white peach, white freesia and menthol, with a very elegant integration. The palate is medium-bodied and restrained in style, with a supple and svelte texture. At its heart is a fine layering of ripe tannins, perfume, menthol-infused fruit and white peach. Finely composed and svelte, I can see this evolving slowly over a decade or more to a state of ethereal elegance. Well done.”

Decanter – Jane Anson : 95

“There’s a succulent damson and cappuccino expression through the finish here, along with tautly constructed, bouncy tannins that are both expressive and powerful. It’s one of the more rich and round wines in St-Juliens, as fits the house style. A success in the vintage, underlining again that St-Julien has had an extremely lucky 2017.”

JamesSuckling.com – James Suckling : 95

“A red with currant and blueberry aromas and flavors and some citrus and vanilla. Medium body and creamy, integrated tannins. Shows finesse and depth for the vintage. One of the best from the appellation. Serious for the vintage. Drinkable now, but much better in 2022.”

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