1982 Leoville Poyferre
By Chateau Leoville Poyferre
1982 Leoville Poyferre from Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St-Julien, Bordeaux
An enduring icon of the Bordeaux wine echelon, the 1982 vintage from Chateau Leoville Poyferre is a testament to an exceptional year that many revere with deep affection and immense respect. My history with this noble estate dates back to its early days, allowing me the privilege of witnessing its evolution into one of St-Julien's most illustrious producers.
Refined Elegance and Age-Worthy Structure
The 1982 vintage stands as a year for Bordeaux that will forever be spoken of with veneration; it presents a harmonious symphony for those inclined towards noble clarets. At its heart, the 1982 Leoville Poyferre manifests the sheer brilliance that beguiled enthusiasts and investors alike - a potent blend of refined elegance and age-worthy structure.
A Vintage Defined by Quintessential Balance
With a claret as storied as the 1982 Leoville Poyferre, it is the balance and depth which are paramount; qualities intrinsic to the very soul of St-Julien wines. This remarkable vintage offers sumptuous layers of ripe blackcurrant, underlined by hints of cedar and tobacco – a signature nuance derived from the chateau's terroir.
The climatic conditions that resulted in such splendour were indeed rare; a sublime combination of ample sunshine and optimal rainfall during crucial periods paved the way for these extraordinary grapes. The impeccable timing of harvest locked in not just flavour but also warranted longevity - setting this vintage apart from its peers and preceding years.
In terms of investment potential, the 1982 Leoville Poyferre is undeniably one to consider. Its provenance, coupled with a trajectory of sustained appreciation, earmarks this exemplary claret as a cornerstone asset within any discerning investor's portfolio.
In summary, those seeking a truly commendable, storied wine from an illustrious year will find alchemy in the bottle with the 1982 Leoville Poyferre – a wine that continues to unfurl its complexities with each passing season. It serves not only as an extraordinary liquid narrative of one of Bordeaux's finest estates but also stakes a claim as an astute choice for fine wine investors seeking both pleasure and providence.
Current market price
$7,090.00
12x75cl
Highest score
95
POP score
284
Scores and tasting notes
There is no question that Leoville Poyferre was not making wines at the level of quality they have since 1990. That said, the 1982 is a great wine, no doubt because of the vintage rather than the winemaking at that time. A brilliant effort, it boasts a dense purple color as well as a sweet, flowery bouquet revealing plenty of creme de cassis, plum, and cherry notes, stunning concentration, a boatload of power, sweet tannins (the sweetest and easiest to taste among the St.-Juliens), and a long finish. Although close to full maturity, it has at least 20-25 years of life remaining. Release price: ($130.00/case)
Robert Parker Jr - The Wine Advocate, 29 June 2009
Tasted at Pebbles/Zachy's 1982 dinner in Hong Kong. After a misfiring bottle last year, this bottle of Didier Cuvelier's Saint Julien hits the ball out of the park. It has a scintillating mineral-rich bouquet with blackberry, fresh raspberry and leather. It is opulent yet brilliant controlled. The palate is lively with crisp tannins, plenty of lively black fruit with subtle ferrous notes with a hint of chestnut. There is a solidity to this Leoville Poyferre: very structured but married with the exuberance and joie-de-vivre typical of this estate. Tasted again three weeks in Basel with consistent notes, this continues to be one of the Left Bank's finest contributions to the vintage and possibly, somewhat overlooked. Tasted November 2012.
Neal Martin - Wine Journal Jan 2013