2016 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre, Magnum

ABOUT THE WINE. Once a single 17th-century estate, the Léoville vineyards were divided after the French Revolution into Léoville Barton, Léoville Poyferré and Léoville Las Cases. Acquired by the Cuvelier family in the early 1900s, Léoville Poyferré has been transformed since 1979 through major vineyard replanting and cellar modernisation (with Michel Rolland consulting from 1994). Today it stands among Saint-Julien’s most compelling Second Growths. The 2016 vintage—long, even and late-ripening—favoured Cabernet Sauvignon and delivered exemplary balance.. TASTING NOTES. A Cabernet-led profile (higher than the domaine’s norm) shows in the cassis, blackberry and black-cherry core, laced with violet, graphite, cedar and subtle cocoa. The palate is medium-to-full bodied with silky yet firm tannins, vibrant freshness and superb line and length. Polished and layered, finishing with minerality and spice—classic, poised 2016 Saint-Julien.. FOOD PAIRING. Outstanding with slow-braised beef or lamb, beef daube, roast venison, or mushroom and truffle dishes. Tomato-based, herb-rich sauces complement its savoury depth.. FRIARWOOD SAYS. A benchmark Léoville Poyferré: refined power, precision and ageing pedigree. Decant 1–2 hours if drinking now; best 2026–2048+ as the structure resolves and the bouquet gains complexity.. Discover more Chateau Leoville-Poyferre here.