Dear Readers,
Here we are in St-Julien Beychevelle small town located 45km north-west of Bordeaux in the heart of Medoc region with a jewel dating back to 1638: "Chateau Léoville-Poyferré" (2nd cru classé in Saint-Julien estate since 1855).
The Chateau was acquired in 1920 by the Cuvelier family, wine merchants in Lille since 1804. In 1947, one of the partners from north of France settled in Bordeaux and opened a second wine merchant business.
Today his son, Didier Cuvelier is still running the vineyard since 1979.
At the end of May 2007, the visit was conducted by Mrs. Anne Cuvelier (above holding the magnum of LP) and the tasting was done by the Cellar Master Mr. Didier Thomann (below)
Of course, I have also tasted Chateau Moulin Riche (second wine) which benefits from the same careful attention as its big brother Chateau LP. It displays similar qualities: balance, elegance and finesse. Faster evolution makes this wine enjoyable in its youth. And, finally we tasted Pavillon-Poyferré (third wine) which can be tasted young, received the same careness as its elder: Moulin Riche and has good potential for more than 5 years of ageing.
What a cellar!!! Now, we moved to another great Chateau acquired by Cuvelier family in Saint Estèphe in 1903: Chateau Le Crock (Cru Bourgeois Supérieur).Le Crock is wine estate of 32.5 hectares, situated between the classified growths of Chateau Cos d'Estournel and Chateau Montrose.
I met over there, Ms. Isabelle Davin (Oenologist) who told me Chateau Le Crock produces wines with solid tannins but with a delicate bouquet. Full-Bodied, these wines will age perfectly for years to give finally raced and complex wines.
And, to end up our visit the baby brother of Chateau Le Crock is Chateau La Croix St-Estèphe (second wine) same style as its elder, well-balanced and complex but you can drink it a bit earlier than Le Crock.
I would like to thank you again for your warm welcome during that special day.
Cheers! Michel
