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 1989 Leoville-Poyferre Bordeaux blend is a red wine of remarkable character and complexity, hailing from the prestigious region of Bordeaux, France, and more specifically, the sub-region of St Julien. This vintage is an expression of the rich terroir that is synonymous with the Bordeaux region, a wine that captures the essence of its birth year in a bottle. The Leoville-Poyferre estate, known for its meticulous winemaking, has carefully crafted this vintage with an elegance that is truly indicative of its pedigree.

The color of the wine is a deep and captivating dark ruby, verging on purple at the center, a visual sign of its superripe character. As we delve into the wine's aroma profile, there are pronounced notes of cassis berry and mint, creating an enticingly fresh bouquet. The earthy truffle, mocha, coffee, and anise scents add a complex layer to the olfactory experience that captivates the senses.

On the palate, this full-bodied wine is sleek and refined, with fine tannins that provide structure and endurance. The tasting notes reveal a slightly one-dimensional yet outstanding flavor, with a touch of burnt caramel arriving mid-palate. Despite not being as luscious as its 1990 counterpart, this vintage retains an impressive vigor. The smoked notes, akin to an autumn fireside, draw a pleasing close to the tasting experience.

In the words of the Wine Spectator, it has a "long, long caressing finish", suggesting a wine that lingers pleasantly on the palate. As per Decanter, this wine has "shape and form", a testament to its well-crafted nature. According to Jeff Leve of TheWineCellarInsider.com, it is a wine that offers "your palate ample pleasure". The 1989 Leoville-Poyferre Bordeaux blend is indeed an exquisite wine, a mature and elegantly styled testament to the art of French winemaking.