The vineyards at Leoville Poyferre originally formed part of the great Leoville estate. Following the death of Marquis de la Cases, the vast property was split into three; the Marquis’ son Jean-Pierre took the third that is now Leoville Las Cases, the Marquis’ daughter, Jeanne’s share became what we know as Leoville Poyferre following her marriage to the Baron de Poyferre and the final third was auctioned off and purchased by Hugh Barton.

Today Didier Cuvelier holds the reigns. He has been responsible for the property’s renaissance, investing heavily to modernise the chai and replanting much of the estate’s Merlot plantings with his favoured Cabernet Sauvignon. Didier can come across rather unassuming, however, unlike other hosts who like impress themselves on tasters, this just isn’t his style. Once you start to engage Didier about his wines there no-one more passionate in Bordeaux.

Of all the Leoville estates, Poyferre produces the most perfumed and most exotic. There is a lushness and seductiveness to all Didier’s wines. Moulin Riche is produced from a separate plot of vines near to the Pauillac border.