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 2006 Leoville-Poyferre is a captivating Bordeaux Blend that hails from the renowned St Julien region of Bordeaux, France. With a rich, maroon core and a bright pink rim, this wine is a true visual delight. The nose is dominated by the elegant aromas of black fruit, with hints of pencil box and mint that give it a Pauillac-like character. It is a medium-bodied wine with supple tannins that provide a smooth and velvety mouthfeel.

The palate of this Leoville-Poyferre is not overly complex, but it does showcase impressive muscle and finesse. The cedar-infused red fruit flavors are beautifully complemented by a touch of white pepper on the finish, creating a delightful interplay of flavors. The wine has a certain youthful zest, although it has also gained some maturity over the years.

Critics have praised the 2006 Leoville-Poyferre for its exceptional quality and character. Neal Martin of Vinous awarded it a score of 91, noting the wine's impressive Cabernet-driven nose and smooth texture. Mike Supple, writing for JJ Buckley, gave it a score of 92 and described it as sweet, lush, and filled with flavors of ripe raspberries and spicy clove. Wine Enthusiast awarded it a score of 93, highlighting its density, rich fruit, and firm but sweet structure.

This wine has the potential to age gracefully, with critics suggesting that it will benefit from further cellaring. It is recommended to give the wine at least 5-10 more years to soften and allow its firm Cabernet Sauvignon character to fully integrate. However, if you can't wait that long, decanting the wine for a few hours will also help to unlock its full potential.

Overall, the 2006 Leoville-Poyferre is a beautifully crafted Bordeaux Blend that showcases the best of St Julien. Its impressive structure, harmonious flavors, and potential for aging make it a wine worth savoring and experiencing.