1998 Chateau Leoville-Poyferre Bordeaux - 91 pts - 750ml

Château Léoville Poyferré is an estate in the Saint-Julien appellation of the Médoc. It was rated a second growth in the 1855 Bordeaux Classification, and was traditionally the softest of the three Léovilles. However, in the last few decades, the Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant wine has gained weight and density.

The 80 hectares (198 acres) of vineyard are planted 65 percent to Cabernet Sauvignon with 25 percent Merlot, 8 percent Petit Verdot and 2 percent Cabernet Franc. The gravelly soils provide good drainage for the vines, which helps negate disease pressure and leads to concentrated fruit. In the winery, the grapes are cold-macerated for colour extract and aromatic purity, and fermented in stainless steel vats before aging. Château Léoville Poyferré is aged in oak barriques for 18-20 months, and the proportion of new oak has increased in the last few decades. It is now rated among the best of the appellation, but remains sensibly priced.