1893 Split Bottle Chateau Leoville

1/2 Bottle
1893 Split Bottle Chateau Leoville
(prior to splitting of property to: CHATEAU LEOVILLE-LAS-CASES, CHATEAU LEOVILLE-POYFERRE and CHATEAU LEOVILLE-BARTON)

A STORY THAT STARTED IN THE 17^TH CENTURY

One of the oldest Medoc estates, Domaine de Léoville belonged to some of the wealthiest and most influential noble French families before it was acquired by the Las Cases family. The estate was split up between 1826 and 1840 as a result of the French Revolution. (Expropriation of emigrants’ property and constitution of egalitarian redistribution). Château Léoville Las Cases was created, thanks to a kind of birthright, from 3/5 of the original estate and the heart of the domain.

The Grand Vin’s current terroir has therefore been at the historic heart of the original terroir since the 17th century. Pierre Jean, Adolphe and Gabriel de Las Cases were successive heirs to the property until 1900, when Théophile Skawinski purchased a share in the estate and became its manager. Léoville Las Cases has now been managed by the same family since the late 19th century and is today represented by Jean-Hubert Delon, sole owner of the Château and proprietor of Château Potensac in the Medoc and Château Nénin in Pomerol.

Château Léoville Poyferré is an estate in the Saint-Julienappellation 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.

The estate also produces Château Moulin Riche, which was once a separate estate. It is made to be more accessible in its youth, but is not considered a second wine to the grand vin. This distinction goes to Le Pavillon de Léoville Poyferré, made from younger vines.

Michel Rolland has been a consultant for Château Léoville Poyferré since 1995.

The “1893 Split Bottle Chateau Leoville” refers to a wine from one of the Château Léoville estates in the Saint-Julien appellation of Bordeaux, France. The term “split bottle” typically refers to a smaller bottle size, which in the context of Bordeaux wines, could mean a half bottle (375ml). However, the specific details about the bottle size for this 1893 vintage are not explicitly mentioned in the provided search results.

Château Léoville is historically significant and was originally one large estate that was divided into three separate entities in the 19th century: Château Léoville-Las Cases, Château Léoville-Poyferré, and Château Léoville-Barton. The search results mention both Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Léoville-Las Cases indicating that the 1893 vintage could belong to either of these estates.

Château Léoville Poyferré and Château Léoville-Las Cases are both highly regarded producers within the Saint-Julien appellation, known for producing structured, complex, and long-lived red wines predominantly from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. The 1893 vintage is exceptionally old and represents a rare and historical piece for collectors.

The vineyards of Château Léoville Poyferré are dispersed over 80 hectares in Saint-Julien, reflecting the richness and diversity of the appellation

The estate is known for aging its wines in oak barriques for 18-20 months, with an increased proportion of new oak in recent decades

While specific tasting notes or details about the 1893 vintage are not provided, wines from this era are considered to be of historical interest and are sought after by collectors for their rarity.

Given the age of the 1893 vintage, it would be a remarkable example of the longevity and historical significance of Bordeaux wines, particularly those from esteemed appellations and producers like Château Léoville. Collectors and enthusiasts value such bottles not only for the wine itself but also for the historical connection and rarity.