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 2008 Léoville-Poyferré is a Bordeaux blend from the St. Julien region in Bordeaux, France. Produced by Léoville-Poyferré, this red wine has an alcohol content of 13% and is sealed with a cork closure. This vintage has received a range of favorable reviews from various respected wine critics.

John Sweeney of JJ Buckley rated this wine 93 points, noting its "very complex" nature with "ripe red fruits, good concentration, smooth tannins, and a nice long finish." He concludes that it is "a winner."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded it 94 points, highlighting it as "one of the finest over-achieving efforts in this vintage" and a "best buy" for a top-flight St.-Julien. The review praises its "opaque ruby/purple color," "sweet cassis and black cherry fruit," and "unctuosity." The wine is described as "full-bodied, remarkably concentrated, and stunningly pure and textured," with a potential for 20-25 years of aging.

Wine Spectator gave it a score of 91, describing it as "very direct" with "black currant and fig paste" driving through to a "lightly muscular finish" with "iron, espresso, and charcoal notes." The publication recommends consumption from 2013 through 2019.

Neal Martin’s Wine Journal also scored it 93 points, noting its "very attractive bouquet with cedar and tobacco aromas" and a "classic Saint Julien nose." The palate is described as "ripe and well-defined with firm tannins" that lead to an "elegant finish."

Vinous gave it a 94, emphasizing its "vibrant, exquisitely delineated bouquet" with "precise black fruit, cedar, and hints of liquorice." The review notes that the wine is "medium-bodied with melted tannins" and "very harmonious."

Wine Enthusiast rated it 94 points, mentioning that the wine is "generous and ripe" with tannins "sharpened with black fruits." The depth of flavor is enhanced by "spice, wood, and acidity."

James Suckling provided a 93-point review, appreciating the "fruit and velvety tannins" and describing it as "full and deliciously fruity with soft tannins and rich fruit."

Decanter offered one of the highest scores at 95 points, noting the "aged, mature aromas" and describing it as "well structured" with "soft and succulent" flavors. The wine is said to have "velvety tannins" and a lingering finish with "spice."

Jeff Leve from TheWineCellarInsider.com, rating it 93 points, also highlighted the "cedar, tobacco, forest, licorice, and dark red berry aromatics" and the "concentrated, core of dark fruits" with "plush but firm tannins."

Finally, Jane Anson rated it 95 points, calling it "classic, balanced, restrained" with "tannins that have grain and grip" and potential for decades of aging.

In summary, the 2008 Léoville-Poyferré is a highly regarded Bordeaux blend with significant aging potential, praised for its complexity, balance, and depth of flavor.