With origins dating back to 1638, Saint Julien's expansive Leoville estate was the largest vineyard in all the Medoc at the time of the French Revolution. After various successions and changes, the estate was eventually divided into the three Leoville properties we know today: Leoville-Las-Cases, Leoville-Barton, and Leoville-Poyferre, established in 1840. The outstanding quality of Leoville Poyferre wines gained early recognition when it was ranked second growth in the 1855 Classification.

The various divisions throughout the history of the estate have split the vineyards of Leoville-Poyferre into five large areas. They include all the main types of gravely, well-drained soils present in Saint Julien and a balanced environment for the vines. This diversity contributes to the wines magnitude and complexity.

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre was most recently acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family. Didier Cuvelier has presided over the destiny of this gem since 1979. Chateau Moulin-Riche (from a specific terroir) and Pavillon de Leoville-Poyferre (from younger plots of vines) are also produced at the estate.

Chateau Leoville-Poyferre is elegant, finely balanced and complex with intense color, velvety texture and excellent aging potential.

The 1986 Leoville-Poyferre offers an exquisite journey into the heart of St Julien, Bordeaux's most prestigious wine region. This Bordeaux blend is a quintessential red wine, exemplifying the varietals of the region with sophistication and finesse. The year 1986 is widely revered as a great vintage in the Bordeaux region, lending this wine a historic significance.

The nose reveals an intriguing mélange of smoke and graphite, indicative of the vintage's character. The intensity of the aroma is a testament to the wine's complexity and the expertise of Leoville-Poyferre's winemakers. The palate is medium-bodied, demonstrating the wine's maturity over the years. It possesses a firm grip, yet there's a certain looseness that suggests a graceful aging process.

The 1986 Leoville-Poyferre is described as being quite robust and gruff, with a grainy, savory finish. It's not quite as stellar as the 1982 or 1989 vintages, yet it stands as a fine Poyferré in its own right. The wine is noted for its sweet plum fruits, hedgerow, and bramble notes through the mid-palate, leading to a refreshing eucalyptus finish.

Didier Cuvelier's influence is evident in this wine; he had taken over in 1979 and was in the midst of a substantial replanting program in the 1980s. This era was a pivotal period for the estate, culminating in noticeable changes in the wines. The 1986 Leoville-Poyferre is a testament to the estate's evolution, revealing the fruits of labor and love in each sip.